[Back home]
Yapo went straight to the training room.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he punched the heavy bag over and over, each strike loaded with frustration. His grandfather stood nearby, arms crossed, silent as usual. But that night, Yapo had had enough. After weeks of intense training, he had believed he would finally start to see results. Instead, he still felt just as weak.
He let his gloves fall to the ground with a dull thud and turned abruptly to his grandfather, anger flashing in his eyes.
— "Why do you keep making me train?! For what? So I can get humiliated even more?!"
His grandfather remained still, eyes calm, though his gaze hardened slightly at Yapo's anger.
— "Calm down, Yapo. A fight isn't won in a day."
— "You want me to calm down?!" Yapo shouted, his voice shaking with frustration. "I lost again, Grandpa! Like an idiot, like always! Désiré humiliated me in front of everyone, and you're telling me to stay calm?"
The young man stepped closer to him, fists clenched.
— "You told me boxing is mental, but I'm still nothing, even after everything you taught me!"
His grandfather didn't flinch, but a flicker of sadness passed through his eyes.
— "Yapo..." he began, his voice calm but firm. "Boxing isn't just a sport. It's a fight against yourself, first. When you lose, it's not just your body that's hit — it's your will. That's where you have to draw your strength from."
Yapo shook his head, furious.
— "You talk like it's easy! You don't understand! I'm fighting guys who mock me, who knock me down every time. And you're telling me to keep punching the wind?"
He stopped, breathing heavily, anger boiling inside him. His eyes were shining with frustration.
— "Why are you training me if I keep losing every time?"
His grandfather took a deep breath, his gaze softening.
— "Because I believe in you, Yapo. Because I know there's something inside you that you haven't seen yet."
He stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his grandson's shoulder.
— "You want to know why you keep losing?"
Yapo looked at him, still angry but willing to listen.
— "You lose because you're looking for strength in the wrong place. You're trying to prove something to others, but real strength comes from within. When you're ready to fight for yourself, that's when you'll start winning."
Yapo stayed silent, eyes on the floor, trying to process his grandfather's words. He felt drained, but also a little calmer.
— "So you have to keep going. Not for others. For yourself. Because you have the power to change, but it won't happen overnight."
His grandfather's words struck his mind like a well-placed punch. He didn't have the answers yet. But somewhere in that pain and anger, he might have finally found a reason to keep fighting.
He looked at his grandfather, his fists now relaxed.
— "I'll keep going… but I don't want to fail like that again."
His grandfather gave him a faint smile.
— "It's not the failure that matters — it's how you get back up."
---
[Back at school]
Yapo is sitting on a low wall with Claver. They watch Sarah from afar as she chats with her friends. The setting sun paints the sky orange.
Yapo (hesitant):
You think if I talk to her now… she'll shut me down?
Claver (smiling):
She never shuts you down when you talk to her, bro. That's already a good sign. You should go. No need for a perfect speech. Just… be yourself.
Yapo (lowering his head):
I don't know. I always feel invisible around her.
Claver:
Hey, man, you're not invisible. You just haven't dared to show her who you really are yet. Come on, go for it.
Taking a deep breath, Yapo stands and walks toward Sarah, nervous but determined. Claver stays behind, giving him a wink.
Yapo (awkward but sincere):
Hi Sarah. I just… wanted to say I really enjoy talking to you. And um… I was wondering if maybe we could talk a bit more often, just the two of us.
Sarah, surprised but smiling, is about to reply when a harsh voice cuts in behind them.
Désiré (mocking):
Wow, is this for real? Little Yapo playing the ladies' man? Did you borrow your courage from Claver or what?
Yapo turns around, eyes hard. Désiré walks up, smirking, flanked by two other students snickering.
Désiré:
Sarah deserves a man, not some guy who faints when someone raises their voice. You want to protect her? You can't even protect your bag, Yapo.
Yapo clenches his fists. He looks at Sarah, then locks eyes with Désiré.
Yapo (calm but firm):
Say what you want. But if anyone ever tries to hurt her… I'll be there. Whether you like it or not.
Sarah (softly):
Yapo…
Désiré (stepping closer, nearly nose-to-nose):
Wanna play the hero? Prove it. Let's settle this right here, right now. Or are you gonna run like always?
Yapo doesn't back down. He steps forward. Their eyes lock. Everyone holds their breath. Claver hurries closer, worried.
Claver:
Yapo, no… don't do this.
Désiré gets into position. Yapo grits his teeth. Sarah, eyes wide, stares at the two boys, frozen. The tension is unbearable. Yapo's hands tremble. A bead of sweat slides down his temple. He's ready.
Désiré:
Then come on!
Yapo:
If that's what it takes to shut you up…
Silence.
And then…