The next day was the start of the school holidays. Alex decided to go to the boxing gym. In his mind, he only had one goal—to learn boxing.
When he entered the gym, he saw many people training hard. The sound of punches hitting pads echoed through the space, mixed with grunts and shouts. Alex stood at the entrance, unsure of what to do. Then, he noticed an old man nearby with a kind, friendly face. Gathering his courage, Alex approached him.
"Hi, mister. Can you help me?" Alex asked.
The old man turned with a smile. "Oh, hi there. Who are you? What do you need help with?"
"Do you know any coach here who can teach me boxing?" Alex asked, hopeful.
"Oh, you want to learn boxing?" the old man replied with interest.
"Yeah," Alex nodded.
"Over there—that old guy is the coach. You can ask him." He pointed to a serious-looking man training a student in the ring.
"Okay, thanks," Alex said politely.
Alex walked toward the coach. The man looked intimidating, with a face that seemed locked in permanent anger.
"Umm… mister? Can you teach me boxing?" Alex asked nervously.
The coach turned around slowly and stared at him. "Yes, boy. Boxing, huh? You want to learn? Fine. But here, we follow a rule. You have to prove to me that you can fight—or at least that you're serious."
"How do I prove that?" Alex asked.
"Get in the ring. Show me what you've got," the coach said, motioning toward the ring.
"But… seriously, I don't even know how to punch," Alex replied, his voice trembling.
"Then why do you want to learn boxing?" the coach asked firmly.
Alex clenched his fists and looked down. "I want to take revenge on my bully," he said with a voice full of pain and anger.
The coach nodded slowly. "Good. That's fire in your heart. Now get in the ring. Imagine the guy in front of you is your bully. See his face. Feel the anger. You want to punch him? Kick his butt? Then go!" The coach gave Alex a push into the ring.
Alex stepped in, facing a man who looked like a skilled boxer. Fear crept up his spine. He didn't think he could do it.
The opponent threw a quick jab—it hit Alex square in the face. He fell to the mat, dazed.
"Get up!" the coach shouted. "Think of that man as your bully. No mercy when you fight!"
Alex, breathing hard, stood up. His eyes narrowed. He imagined Ben standing in front of him. All the humiliation and pain surged in his chest.
With sudden strength, Alex threw a punch—and it connected. The man didn't dodge in time. Alex's fist landed squarely on his opponent's face.