Someone grabbed my hands and squeezed tiny MMA style gloves on them, rather than standard boxing gloves. I registered the difference but couldn’t even summon surprise. Fear, horror, worry, frustration, even disbelief were suspiciously absent. I had somehow severed myself from all emotion, my eyes tracking to where Sal’s man stood against a back wall with my father. I vaguely noticed my hand being lifted as the announcer made his introductions, then a mouthpiece was inserted between my lips. The one thing that stood out loud and clear in my mind was the ringing bell that signaled the beginning of the fight. Tearing my eyes from my father, I turned to face my opponent just as he flew at me, fist hammering me in the face. I stumbled backward, the ref coming between us to allow me time to reco
