I wasn’t rich. I wasn’t poor. I wasn’t cute. I wasn’t ugly. I wasn’t tall, nor short. I was average. I’ve always been average. From my appearance to the clothes I’d wear to the life I lived. The only thing that wasn’t average was my dreams. And it was those dreams that made my aunt believe I was the greatest.
And every day she’d tell me it. She’d tell the world, too. That woman bragged about me like no other. But her vision was too far for me to see. And being the greatest was never a reality meant for me.
But still, it felt good to know someone supported me. And that they believed in me more than I could ever hope to believe in myself. Especially in a world that only wanted to see me fail.
It was because of her that I was able to reach new heights. And with her, I knew I could do anything.
But now she’s dead. And now I’m lost.
“Ten minutes!”
I splash water on my face, watching it stream blood down my bruises.
“I repeat. Ten minutes or you forfeit the match!”
I look at the ref, defeated. “I can’t do this,” I sigh. I know I’m not the greatest — I’m facing him. And just like me, everyone knows it.
“You’re lucky to have made it this far. You’ve done amazing, but the truth is, no one expects you to win here. Your opponent is a literal prodigy and he’s as good as it gets. That’s the only reason they’re allowing you a break outside the ring. And a moment to grieve your aunt if need be. So, take this moment. And hold your head high champ. There’s nothing wrong with losing to the best.”
“I…”
“Nine Minutes!” He claps before closing the door.
Again I splash water on my face. And just as I’m ready to give up, I look into the mirror, and for a moment I swear I can see my aunt. Standing there. Smiling at me like she always has. Cheering me on, just this time more silently. I can only stare as I wipe the tears from my eyes. Unfortunately, all that does is clear my vision and the illusion that I still have her.
I don’t.
But what I do have looks like her. Is stubborn like her. Has a fiery personality like her. And I can’t help but to reach out and touch what feels so familiar. Everyone says I’m more like my aunt than my mom, and in this moment I can see why. And in my eyes, I can see hers. It brings me peace.
“Five minutes!”
I turn off the faucet and slap my face. “You got this,” I whisper. Something I’ve said to myself many times before. Just this time, my soul believes it.
As I walk down the tunnel it’s silent, but not for long — soon noise erupts all around me. And though I hear cheering, I know it’s not in my favor. All eyes are on me, but now I have something to prove, and my eyes are on one thing.
“William!” The announcer calls out a moment later, his deep voice breaking through a shocked crowd. “What a comeback! Never have I ever seen such an amazing match.” The ref grabs my arm and holds it high, “the new champion!”
I can’t help but look around. Quickly noticing how fast those who wanted me to lose, now cheer me on louder than anyone else. But it means nothing to me.
“William, we have to know,” the ref shouts. “How does it feel to finally be able to say you are the greatest?”
I smile as I grab the mic, staring at a reflection I can just barely see through the refs’ thick glasses.
“I’ve always been able to say it.”
