THE WAY WE BREAK || cobra kai

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the quiet neighborhood as Amanda LaRusso pulled up to the Maltio house. She sat in the car for a moment, hands gripping the wheel, heart tugging at her to get this right. This wasn't just a drop-in. It was something that had been weighing on her chest for weeks—ever since the fight.

She rang the doorbell gently, and after a few seconds, the door creaked open. Megan Maltio stood there, a little surprised to see her. "Amanda?" she asked.

"Hi," Amanda offered with a soft smile. "I hope this isn't a bad time—I was wondering if you and Jack had a few minutes to talk."

Megan hesitated, but stepped aside. "Sure, come in."

Amanda stepped into the familiar living room where photos lined the mantle and a candle burned low on the coffee table. Jack appeared a moment later, brow furrowed in quiet curiosity. "Amanda? Everything alright?" he asked.

Amanda clasped her hands in front of her, her tone gentle but purposeful. "I heard that Tess isn't allowed to speak to Harper anymore," she said, voice low.

The tension in the room shifted instantly. Megan and Jack exchanged a look—equal parts regret and defensiveness.

"We made that decision after what happened," Jack said. "After Harper got caught in... whatever that was."

"Cobra Kai." Amanda snapped, not missing a beat. "What happened wasn't a squabble or some reckless choice. It was a targeted ambush—an attack—on my home."

"I don't think you understand," Jack argued, his voice firm. "Harper was hurt. She came home with a cut on her head. She came home bleeding."

Amanda stood perfectly still, her expression unwavering. She let the tension settle around them, the weight of Jack's words hanging in the air. Slowly, she took a step forward, and her voice, though soft, carried an undeniable edge. "I understand," she said quietly, but there was a gravity in her tone. "I know what it's like to see your child hurt. To hold them in your arms when they're broken, when they're scared, and there's nothing you can do to make it go away." She paused, letting the words sink in, her gaze flickering between Jack and Megan. Her voice dropped lower, heavy with emotion. "I've been there. And believe me, it's the worst feeling in the world."

She let the words hang in the air before stepping closer still. "But when that chaos broke out—and your daughter was right in the middle of it—do you know who didn't hesitate for even a second?"

Neither of them spoke. Amanda stared them down for a moment.

"Tessa." She let the name land like a weight. "That little girl took hit after hit—arms, legs, her face—and never once backed down. Because the only thing she cared about in that moment was making sure Harper was safe." Amanda's eyes were glassy now, but her voice didn't shake. "And you cut her off like she was the one who hurt your daughter."

Megan's lips part slightly, her face softening.

Amanda took a breath, her voice softening. "She's just a kid. A sweet one. Who's been through a lot. And she misses Harper more than she can even say."

There was a small sound from the stairs. Amanda turned her head just enough to see Harper, sitting two steps from the bottom, hugging her knees. Her eyes were shining with quiet emotion. "I miss her too."

Jack and Megan turned, startled, and their shoulders sagged at the sight of their daughter. Megan sighed, a hand coming to rest on her heart. Jack rubbed the back of his neck, unsure.

Amanda didn't push. She just offered a small, understanding nod. "We're having dinner tonight at my house," she said gently. "Johnny's bringing Tessa. It's nothing big—just a quiet night with friends and family." Her gaze flicked to Harper again, softening. "I'd love it if you came. No pressure. Just... maybe let the girls talk. Let them try to move past all of this." She nodded once more to the couple, then to Harper, and quietly let herself out—leaving the door open, not just behind her, but for whatever came next.