Pride to Pack

by Aimie Jennison

  ***

  The basement is set up like any high-end gym, with all the equipment and weights anyone could ask for. The floor is covered in mats to soften the fall when I am sparing with Uncle Jack. I appreciate those mats because I do hit the floor – a lot.

  Uncle Jack is standing in the middle of the mats ready to spar. He’s trained me in all kinds of Martial Arts, so I’m not limited and won’t get stuck if someone fights in some unusual form.

  I take hit after hit knowing that this time tomorrow I will be fighting to the death. This torture Uncle Jack puts me through is for my own good.