Rings of Redemption

eedom failed to sink in. Despite years of anticipation and drea

ng more than I had expected. I had just left the processing

ager smile on his face pattin

imagined he was new on the job. Th

the exit door. Much longer than it should have been. I quickened

ng from the comms system was loud enough to make a man blind. It

any chances, things had a way of always going wrong for me. I quickened my pace

ing chas

I knew it, surely there hadn't been a mis

lance over my shoulder, no one was behind me. I returned my gaze, just in time to slam my face

ing down, everywhere else felt cold. My ears were ringing but I felt no p

foot in front of my feet. It was all white. I didn't mean to cry but my eyes had other plans the tears came rolling down

t examining myself all the while, I had sustaine

rested my forearms on my knees

car approaching had woken me up, it had come to

of the individuals had got out and was now walking in my direction. It was a tall and lanky young man, with long limbs th

e who it was, switching my gaze for a brie

!" PJ ex

e embraced, the familiarity of an old

, my man," H

ing his new hairdo. It was the only thing ne

ded. "Lara made me get it; she sa

ay," I repli

ignaling for me to get into the car with her hands. She didn't

orm and ID tag on. She

Miller" I read

nce I had been in the old Civic. The engine roared to life, and we embarked on the journey home. The rhythmic

quiet understanding. Fleeting glances and unspoken words punctuated the journey as familiar streets blurred outsi

t. The hum of the car and the distant city sounds underscored our attempts at normalcy. It w

rning into our street. The headlights painted patterns on the pavement, casting an

broke the

to run for my dad, but

e said as he hand

this?"

e. Welcome b

ber, there were a few changes, but i

gely more expansive than I remembered. The walls seemed to echo with the residu

an I remember. The quiet ambience of the room, once a refuge, now carried

familiar surroundings, Mum'

ry shopping." I heard h

ll come alon

ork after that anyway." She w

she said with

might need" she said pointing a

if you need a

oxing days, those days used to be very tough. She would work extre

I placed little demands and contributed as

n my life, but I knew I could do it. I was bigger, stronger, and much

out to be a surprising adventure, characterized by its

It was certainly an unconventional trajectory, especially considering

ver, fell shy of a medal losing my last three bouts. They wer

ensity and demands became an integral part of my life. The consolation prize of $15

and victories were few and far in-between but then there was school, going into high school

ident that those occurrences unfolded three yea

ck" I managed to say under my brea

ar start up". Peeking outside the window

st the wall and reached

't come as much of a surprise;

ut a lot before t

away. Everybody seemed to eventually move on with their lives, some faste

or as long as I had known him,

been offered a full ride to study at Penn S

e phone had already been set up, old contacts, old mess

rare luxuries I had missed. The orange glow from the sunset b

suspected. We had planned this day out.

s Eddie" I remembered him

ou should be glad they're considering

that again?" I replied. Br

t wasn't too bad actually" he co

r uncomfortable

him straight in the face, almost as

was also Lara's Uncle and Lara was PJ's gi

you best, all those therapy sessions you guy

ositive energy so everyone else can see your light, 'cus I see you r

loud buzzing sound emanating from th

ood school" he announced

. Far, far away. No biggie." I s

tretch, new town, new life, new sta

bly the best you'll get right now" he contin

afe. St

on of the phone ca

k down on