Sonata of a Fight — Chapter 6 — The First Punch
Ryan turns to face Arnold. The first time in years that he fights back.
Ryan has everything. Except a morning that doesn't hurt.
I turned to Arnold.
The first punch hit me before I understood the fight had started. I went down on my back. Blood was already coming out of my nose.
Arnold raised his arms in celebration. The crowd roared.
Laughter from some. Contempt in the eyes of others. The fear of a few, the pity of some — all of it turned toward me. Phones up. Shouting. Applause. Laughter.
I had no strength. I didn't know what to do.
I just started to cry.
Kim crouched down next to me again. He said something quietly in my ear, only for me.
The tears stopped right away.
I got up. I still didn't know what to do. But lying on the floor crying had stopped being an option.
Jack asked:
— What did you say, Kim?
Kim put his hand in front of his mouth and spoke into his ear.
Jack made an impressed face. And he looked at the fight seriously this time.
The Fight Sonata
I traded a look with Kim. Quick.
Then I turned to Arnold and waited.
He was even angrier — because I'd gotten up. And that scared me more than the punch. I'd never made a single act of resistance in my life. I'd never thought about it. And even so I was there, standing, waiting.