The Deal
The gym was still a mess. Blood on the floor. The smell of sweat and panic hung in the air.
Park was being lifted onto a stretcher by the paramedics. His face was swollen, nose bent, lips broken.
Jaden stood by the corner, his hands trembling. His knuckles were red, his chest rising and falling heavily.
He could still hear the sound of his fists hitting Park’s face, again and again, like echoes that refused to fade.
Coach Damon turned to him, fury burning in his eyes. “Do you even know what you’ve done, Jaden?!”
Jaden said nothing. His lips parted, but no words came out. He didn’t know how to explain it. It was like something inside him took over.
Damon took a step closer. “You’ve lost it. You’re not the same person anymore. Maybe Dr. Mira was right… maybe you do need help.
