white ceiling of my bedroom stared back at me, a stark contrast

oar of the engine, the laughter with PJ, the blinding headlights, and the catastrophic crash. The panic that had surged through me as I looked o

The hospital, the stern face of Detective Rodriguez, the interrogation room, and the

lief as I realized it was just a dream, a dark and twisted creation of my subconscious. But even as I did, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. I knew that these were

nd chance that only waking from a nightmare can provide. But as I did

prepare for the meeting with the Sports Master scheduled for that morning,

of the light switch and flicked it on. After donning a

prompting me to go back and fetch a beanie befo

nt. My daily runs were becoming longer, and my pace was quickening. As I approached one

n, and adapting to the town while discovering its budget-friendly spots was proving to be a gradual process.

. I hurriedly went up the staircase, my phone was now vibrating i

my way to the locker, it was evident that everyo

ay; there's no way he accepts," someone mentioned.

y the open door at the other end suggesting someone's presence. Despite my efforts, my shoes remained determined to

sir," I

tion to a boxing event. Now I spoke with the captain and y

sir," I

compartment beneath the desk. "Well, I just wanted to confir

out the invi

ppearing surprised th

l be de

f I'm inter

dhere to for these matters, okay?" he

ly, they would be paying $6,500 just to box and $12,500 if I emerged victorious. It w

u think it is son, it's not just show up and 'oh i get $60

ith all due respect sir,

arked seemingly su

sir. Boxing is not someth

into the ring, to risk everything, to put your life on the line for the entertainment of others. So, yes

McMahon'." I continued. I'd

ing. Looking down, I took one last glance at the letter in my hand before placi

catch my breath. The day had come to an end, passing swiftly

ames waving from the passenger se

ill catching my breath, "I n

pretty strong

bro." I quickl

hat?" she asked, ma

the boxing t

a, can I please?" she said placing her

a joke to you

" she said tu

t, ok.

t sad, bro," James rem

th burst into laughter. I was

rking lot like I'm your mom or something," she said as she got into her c

he rob a bank, only this time it wasn't a crime, it was legal, legalized bank robbery. In exactl

a cat" I muttered

remarked, taking me

ed, feeling the bl

ell," she reassured, sensing my embarrassment. "Although, I don't

gh and she joine

" she asked, securing her lapto

h-ye

...." sh

ar off, I'll be fi

ee you tomorrow,

Miss Kelly, Ma'am," I responded,

ene. Kell

e got into her c

ed the happiness within. A grin adorned my face, radiating the simple joy that filled me. The well-trodden path felt like a comforting companion,