Run (#Wattys2016)

Revision of Chapter 2

Mom’s room was dark. The only thing keeping it from plunging into complete darkness was the small amount of light streaming under the curtains. I walked over to her side table silently, trying not to wake her up. As I set the tray down, I noticed her breathing patterns. They were too fast for her to be asleep. I rolled my eyes, smiling. 

"I know you’re awake mom," I told the supposedly sleeping figure in bed, walking over to the curtains. She sighed into the darkness.

"It was worth a try," she explained as I opened the curtains. Light flooded the room. I turned to see that she’d sat up. A smile brightened her hollow cheeks.

“I can’t scare you!” she wagged her finger at me. Smiling, I came and sat on the bed with her.

"French toast today," I told her, setting the tray on her lap. She picked up the toast, picked it apart, and started to eat.

"How is it?" I inquired.

"Amazing, just like everything you cook. You sure you’re my daughter?” she quipped. I laughed.

“Not sure. You want to do a DNA test?” I quipped back.

“No!” she laughed, taking another bite of toast. “Are you guys doing anything today?”

“Not as far as I know. Eliza and Trisha are going on a walk, I'm staying here with Ali.” Mom nodded. 

Despite her sickly look now, she didn't look as bad as she did two years ago. After dad had left, Mom had gone into a state of depression. I’d been the first to detect it.

I was the one who took her to the hospital to get treated. That’s where the doctors took over. Early into her meds, she’d contracted a disease and ended up back in the hospital. After she was released, she was ordered to stay in bed at home until deemed fit enough. The doctor was coming over later today. It might be the day where she finally got out of bed.

"I gotta go get ready," I told her, pecking her cheek with a kiss.

"Have fun boxing. Make sure Ali isn't behind the bag," she replied, taking another bite. She knew me too well. Except for the Ali behind the bag part. Rolling my eyes, I got off the bed and left. Once I was out of her earshot, I muttered, "It was only one time!" 

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Boxing is a stress reliever. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Really any workout is a stress reliever, but boxing is my favorite.

"When will you teat me to punt the bag?" Ali asked. I looked down at her. She’d picked out her cute, pink work-out clothes.

"I can teach you today,” I sighed. “Just don’t stand behind the bag." I couldn't say no to those eyes. Or that outfit. 

This was definitely my second favorite part of the morning. While we were getting dressed it had rained. It was still a little humid. Perfect weather for an invigorating workout.

Ali was skipping to the tree that held the punching bags. I smiled as she got there, punching it playfully. She was the only one who wanted to be taught. The other two didn’t care for it. It didn’t bug me. Boxing had always been my thing, not theirs.

"Teat me!" Ali screamed as I reached the tree, pink gloves in the air.

"Okay," I chuckled. I stepped up to my punching bag. Ali put her hands down and mirrored me.

"We're going to stand like this," I told her, putting my hands in the guard position. "This is the starting position. Then you just punch." I demonstrated by punching my bag and going back to the guard position. Ali followed my example by punching her own bag.