THE MUST WIN

I need this fight. My family is hungry. Winter’s arrived. There’s no work.

*

My muscles ache, burning from my ultimate effort.

I can’t remember his name, that man over there. I know he is the enemy. I must destroy him.

He floats at me out of the haze, and I put my hands up. The last thing I remember is a bright flash. Then darkness.

*

“Did I win?”

“No kid. It lasted five rounds. You staggered him in the fourth. The bell saved his ass.”

"Please," I gasp, "my family.... they're starving."

No one answers.