The Boxing System: I Became the King of the Ring

Danny’s van pulled up to Marcus Garvey around eleven at night. The building sat mostly dark except for security lights and the front door where Mrs. Rodriguez waited. Her face showed worry lines.

She took one look at Javier’s stitched eyebrow and Tommy’s swollen face. Her hand flew to her mouth.

"Ay, Dios mío! What happened to you boys?"

Tommy managed a tired grin through his split lip. "You should see the other guys."

Mrs. Rodriguez crossed her arms. "This isn’t funny, Tommy. You look like you got hit by a truck."

Javier just wanted to shower and sleep. His head pounded. The stitches pulled when he talked. "We’re okay, Mrs. Rodriguez. Just tired."

David and Kevin peeked out from the TV room down the hall. Their eyes went wide.

"Holy shit, what happened to your face?" David whispered.

Grey appeared behind them like a ghost. "Language. Get back inside. Now."

The boys scattered, but Javier could feel their stares following him down the hallway.

Mrs. Rodriguez walked beside them, her voice soft but firm. "Dr. Vasquez wants to see you both first thing tomorrow. No arguments."

"Yes ma’am," they said together.