Reality

MARCELO

I was in the middle of the ring, and Richard and Charly were by my side. Charly was helping me put on a shirt with “five-time world champion.”

I was nervous. This fight was not how I’d imagined it. The challenger and his team were on the other side, patting him on the back as if they knew the outcome. Richard only had his hand on my shoulder.

The surrounding bustle wasn’t having the same effect as before. The lights bothered me. The people around me were exasperating me. And the constant bang of my heart would not leave me alone.

The host was ready with the verdict of the judges. “By unanimity of the judges, we declare Ronald Smith the winner.”

~By unanimity of the judges, we declare Ronald Smith the winner. By unanimity of the judges, we declare Ronald Smith the winner. By unanimity of the judges, we declare Ronald Smith the winner.~

Those words fluttered through my head over and over again. They didn’t make sense. My body was paralyzed. It was as if my mind had switched off.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw how Ronald’s corner exploded in jubilation and joy. Elated screams could be heard everywhere. But I was freezing, cold sweat starting to form on my forehead.

“Today was an epic day. A new champion has arisen. RONALDDDDDD SMITHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Something cracked inside me, hearing those words. I felt my insides twist. But I was still motionless. “Champion, tell us, what did you think would happen at the end of this fight?”

Hearing my name, I turned to answer.

“I always knew it. Marcelo Walker had been the champion for several years, but that’s because he had never faced me. I AM THE CHAMPION NOW.”

The place was filled with cheers and shouts.

“Marcelo, could you tell us what it means to you to have lost for the first time and to deliver the title in this way?”

~Now it’s Marcelo and not “champion~.”

The host brought the microphone close to my face, but not a word could come out of my mouth.

“Marcelo is tired. At another time we will organize a press conference. We will let you know his opinion and what we have planned for the future. Thanks.”

Richard was in front of me now. “Marcelo, come on, we have to get out of here.”

He took my arm and guided me out of the ring. We went downstairs and walked down the hall that led to the locker rooms.

Unfortunately, the commotion was so bad that we forced our way through. We left the place with my head throbbing. The words had left me. I was still shocked.

We finally made it to the locker room. I sat on the bench immediately and placed my elbows supporting them on my legs. I grabbed my head with both hands, and that was when I reacted.

Standing up, I raised my arms in the air screaming, “GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

All the anger and desperation I held in the last few minutes in the ring were coming out of my mouth. I took hold of the bench and threw it across the locker room effortlessly. ~BANG~.

I walked over to the massage table and slammed it to the ground several times until nothing was left of it. Then I hit, threw, and destroyed anything that was within my reach.

And when I saw myself with nothing, I started hitting the wall with my fists. ~BANG, BANG.~ Blow after blow until I formed a big hole. That was when I felt several hands holding my arms.

But my fury was so great that it was very difficult for them to contain me. I ended up on the ground with three or four people on top of me. I didn’t even know who they were.

After many minutes of being in the same position, my strength left me. And I began to feel how little by little, the weight that had restrained me lifted.

A soft, warm hand touched my shoulder, and it was at that moment that lucidity returned to me. I turned in the direction of the hand. I saw Mandy in front of me with tears in her eyes.

She squatted down in front of me, her beautiful face ruined by the makeup that smudged from her tears. Was she crying because I lost? Because I was no longer the champion?

I moved to sit down, Mandy removing her hand from my shoulder to give me room. Once seated, I raised my head. It took me a lot of work to see her face to face. And when I did, Mandy flew right into my arms.

I hugged her as tight as I could. My tears began to spill uncontrollably. Nothing would be the same for me from now on. I’d lost my title and my position.

I hid my face in Mandy’s hair, not wanting anyone to see me in these conditions. Defeated.

After a while in the same position, we finally managed to calm down. Mandy ended the hug and leaned back to face me. Her beautiful eyes shone with determination.

“Marce, this is not the end of your career. This is only an obstacle. There is still a lot to do. Don’t give up.” She turned back and waved her arm at everyone who was in the dressing room with us.

I looked up, and in amazement, I saw my team and my mates. Their faces said it all. They were worried about me.

“We all love you, and we will never leave you. Do not forget that you are not alone, love. And above all, you have me.

“I will never turn my back on you, I will never think badly of you, and most of all, my love for you will never end.”

I swallowed painfully. I could only nod my head.

Mandy kissed my head one more time before getting up. I was still sitting on the floor, unable to move. My strength had abandoned me. But my mates didn’t leave me there for long.

Xavier, Martin, and Charly came up to me to help me up. Standing up, I wiped my face with the back of my hand and shook my head.

Mandy approached me with a jacket in her hands. She helped me put it on and with a towel, she wiped the sweat off my head.

Charly and Juan had everything packed and ready to go in seconds. Richard walked up to me and only patted my back. I was so ashamed to see him face to face.

The one who gave everything for me, and this was how I paid him. Losing.

“Come on, champion, let’s leave through the rear door. I don’t want that bunch of vultures around you.” Richard surprised me with his statement.