“One round?” the referee asked.
“This time, a real one,” Eli said.
Marcus immediately called out, “Controlled!”
The bell rang.
Eli moved carefully. His footwork was disciplined, his guard was high, and his movements were calm.
Adrian tested him without using his size or power.
Eli watched the champion's feet.
He noticed a tiny shift before every defensive turn.
He feinted high, stepped across, touched Adrian's glove, and moved away.
The crowd applauded.
The bell rang again.
The round ended.
Adrian offered his hand.
Eli shook it, then hugged him.
Marcus climbed into the ring.
For a moment, the three men stood together: the boy who demanded an answer, the fighter who had avoided it, and the father who had survived long enough to see the truth become something useful.