Kimishima Hospital
Brooklyn, New York
Beep!
Beep!
Beep!
Beep!
The cuts in the silence sound slowly wafted him back into consciousnesses. The first thing he saw was a white ceiling.
Beep!
Beep!
What the hell is that? He thought, before turning his head and-
"Gah!" Pain surged up his body, like a million fire ants had bit him at once. He tried to gasp and call out for help, and that when he realized he could barely breathe.
Oh God. My chest. It felt like an anvil was dropped right on top of his heart. He would have clutched his chest if he had been able to move his twitching arms.
He cried out for help, moaning for help. Someone. Anyone.
He heard a noise close by. Like someone was shouting. Please let that be help. Please let that be help. Please let that be help.
A woman came in, holding a little box. "Calm down. Hold still. I'm here to help you." She opened a little box and pulled out a syringe.
Wait wait wait wait wait wait hold up just a diddly darn minute. Needles were not needed in this situation. How is a needle going to make the pain less? I really don't think stabbing me with a pointy object is going to make things better. In fact, I think it's going to make things a whole lot worse.
All he could rasp out was a meek "No."
"This syringe is filled with morphine, it'll make your pain go away fast. Please relax. I can help you if you properly let me inject you. This will only hurt for a second. Can you hold your arm steady?"
He tried to steady his right arm. It was still twitching, but it moved less than before. Pinning his arm down, the doctor put an alcohol swab on the injection site and rubbed it over before administering Luigi with the injection.
He yelped, his left arm convulsing as the agony registered. He sat back, writhing and grimacing in pain wait for-
for-
The pain started to subside instantly.
Woah.
"Calm down." The doctor said. "The morphine only needs a few seconds to start working."
Luigi stopped panicking entirely. The doctor wasn't lying. He could feel himself feeling better by the second.
He sat up. "I-I feel great." He said "Where... where am I?" He said.
"You're in Kimishima Hospital. In the ICU." The doctor replied. "How do you feel?"
As he tried to take a deep breath, a sharp pain still hit him. "It still hurts to really breathe, and I'm still kind of sore."
"Now now now, you've been in a very bad accident, you are very lucky to be alive. Can you tell me your name?"
He had to think about it for a second. "Luigi. Luigi Martinet. I'm 19 years old. Who-who are you?"
"My name is Dr. Sydney Satoo. Can I run a diagnostic on you right now?"
"Of course. Go ahead."
"Raise your dominant hand."
Grunting a little bit, Luigi raised his left hand.
"Try to keep it up for as long as possible."
After 10 seconds, Luigi relented, his hand falling back to the bed. He winced. "Ugh. It feels like someone just put a bunch of little weights all inside my body. God, that hurts."
"Raise your non-dominant hand."
Luigi raised his right hand. He could only keep that one up for 5 seconds. "Ahhh, that feels sore."
"At least you can hold it. That's good news. Can I ask you a few questions or would you rather just stay and rest some more?"
"I can answer some questions."
"Can you tell me the last thing you remember?"
"I remember... this, this large knock. On my apartment door. Everything else, I'm just... I-I-I I'm just blanking on it right now."
"That's good. That's great. Right now I'm testing your mind for any sort of cognitive brain damage. You appear to be fully functional. That's great news."
"You know, it might just be the morphine but, it's only my chest and arms that hurt. My legs don't feel bad at all." Luigi tried to get out of bed and stand up.
His legs didn't move.
"Great. They aren't even moving right now." Luigi said. "Must still be asleep. Let me see if I can smack it awake." Luigi slapped his thigh a few times. With every smack, Luigi was slowly realizing that not only weren't his legs not moving, they weren't hurting.
"Doctor, I'm not feeling any pain in my legs, no matter how hard I hit them," Luigi said. "Actually, I'm not feeling anything in my legs. At all. Is-Is that normal? Should I wait a little while longer?"
"Mr. Martinet, I'm afraid I have some bad news." Dr. Satoo's expression turned somber. "The reason your here is because you were shot. In the shooting, a bullet directly pierced your T10 vertebrae. The connection between your legs and your spinal cord has been severed. I'm afraid you're paralyzed from the waist down.
What. Luigi couldn't speak. Words escaped him. He looked at his legs. Frozen. Forever.
"Sir. I know this is a tragedy but I need you to calm down."
"I know this may seem bad but, sir, everyone is talking about you."
"They-They are?"
"You were in surgery for 20 hours. A bullet went into your lung and it was going to collapse, and they saved it. The removed numerous bullets in your shoulders, elbows, arms, and legs. Three were removed from your intestines. One from your colon. And somehow, they were able to remove the one from near your T10. They also found a bullet grazed your neck. If any of those bullets had hit you mere centimeters away, you would have been dead. It's a miracle you're alive now."
"Doctor, am I am I am I going to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair"
"now. Now it's too early to determine the severity but we do have techniques that allow people to regain the ability to walk over time."
"Where-where is my family? I want to see my mom. I want to see my dad. I want to see my brother. I want to go home."
"Your family is on their way. You must be famished. I'll get you some yogurt."
As the doctor closed the door, Luigi looked up at the ceiling. Couldn't run. Couldn't walk. Couldn't even stand up. He probably couldn't even get out of this bed by himself.
Luigi looked at his legs. Move. For the love of God. Move. He strained his body, trying to kickstart his legs. Nothing.
He sat back on his bed. Tears started running down his head. I'm paralyzed. He thought, the words really starting to sink in. I'm fucking paralyzed.
Why God?
Why?
Two people walked up to the receptionist's desk. "We're here for Luigi Martinet." The man said. He wore blue overalls over a yellow shirt. "We're his parents. Lou and Yoko Martinet. We got a call here from here a little bit ago? We came as quick as we could."
"Is my little baby boy alright?!" Yoko Martinet said, almost choking on the words. She wore a purple-gray dress with floral patterns.
"Yes." The receptionist answer. "He is just recovering in Intensive Care. Right this way to the waiting room."
Walking down the hall, Yoko held a death grip onto her husband, her legs were trembling. "Oh thank the Lord. My little Luigi is okay. Oh, yes. Thank God. Yes."
As they walked into the waiting room, Dr. Satoo was already there. "Hello. Are you Luigi Martinet's family?
"Yes, that's us."
"Um, I believed Luigi mentioned a brother?"
Lou looked at Yoko. "He's, well, he's busy right now, so-"
"He's right here." Mario walked up behind him Pauline was right by his side. Blood stains were still on his blue overalls. His hat was gone, exposing a scar that ran from the top of his head to the edge of his forehead.
"Mario..." Yoko said in shock. "You're out of-"
"We're here for Luigi. We'll take care of everything else later. Come on. He's waiting for us, isn't he?"
"Right now, the police are talking to Luigi. If you just wait here, they should be out momentarily." Dr. Satoo said.
"How is my boy, doctor?" Lou said.
"Well, he has miraculously survived some of the worst injuries I have ever seen in my 15 years at this hospital. Now, perioperative mortality, or death post-surgery, is still a very real danger, but it's a good sign he has made it this far."
"Oh, yes! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Yoko said.
"So, assuming he survives this peerio- peireeo- mortality stuff, how long until he's back on his feet and out of here?" Lou asked.
"Well, about that," Dr. Satoo started. "I need all of you to take a seat."
"Wait, what?"
"Mom, just do what the doctor says." Mario sat down with Pauline. Lou and Yoko followed.
"A bullet impacted him in the back, and it landed in his T10 vertebrae. He was unable to move his legs when examining so, we think he's a paraplegic."
"My-my-my son is crippled?" Lou asked, gasping like he's just taken a punch in the gut.
"I'm afraid so." Dr. Satoo said. "Now, he may be able to regain some control of his legs over time-"
"Dr. Satoo, emergency down the hall!" A nurse called.
"What?! I'm busy!" She called back before looking at the Martinets. "Okay, I am so sorry, but I have to go, the police should be right out and they'll allow you to visit. Please refrain from hugging him, he has numerous internal injuries." Dr. Satoo quickly rushed out.
The room went silent.
"I'm-I'm gonna go get Hiro and Kiyo from out of the car," Pauline whispered. "You want to come with me?"
"Th-Thanks. But I'm good." Mario responded dully.
"I'll be right back." She headed for her car.
Mario got up from out of his seat. His legs felt like jelly, and he wobbled the first couple of steps. "Well, at least he's alive," Mario said, looking at his parents.
"At least he's alive?" Lou repeated, hugging his sobbing wife. "Mario, where were you when Luigi got shot?"
"I had to take a friend to a to a place." Mario started. "Okay, that sounds bad. Let me try that again: I have an employee that I let stay at the apartment. I had to drive him for boxing classes. You can ask Luigi. Mom. Dad. I promise you. I. Did. Not. Let. This. Happen. He's my brother. Do you honestly think that I'm out selling crack? my girlfriend is rich. I'm not stupid."
Two police officers walked out. "We've finished talking to Martinet. We're done here."
Yoko jumped up out of her chair. "My baby!" She ran into Luigi's room.
Luigi was laying on the hospital bed. "Mama?"
Mama Martinett smothered her child with kisses. "My little Weegee! I love you! I love you! I love you!"
"Mama...please...can't...breathe," Luigi said.
"Oh I'm sorry baby, I'm just so happy you're still here!"
"I love you too mom. I'm okay, stop worrying." He gave her a light hug.
"Goodness gracious Luigi! You're so cold! And you look so pale! Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah. They have me on morphine. I'm feeling great."
"Morphine? The drug?" Yoko said.
"Mom, it's hospital morphine. They know what they're doing! Trust them!"
"Okay, baby. If you say so."
"Woof! Woof!" Hiro and Kiyo licked Luigi's face. "Quack! Quack!"
"Hey you two. Glad to see someone got out of there okay." He gave the duck and dog duo some nice pets on the head.
"I can't believe your okay, my boy," Lou said. "For a second there, I'd never thought I'd see you again."
"I'm not going anywhere Dad, I promise."
"Yeah, that's my boy. Tougher than any bullet."
"Or a dozen."
Everyone in the room laughed. They needed that.
"Hey Mario, what happened to you? How'd you get that scar on your head?" Luigi asked.
"I was cleaning up the apartment some glass dropped down and cut my head open," Mario said. "I wasn't wearing my hat because a certain someone peed on it." He looked over and Kiyo irritated.
"Say, Luigi, does Mario take an employee of yours to boxing classes?" Lou asked.
"Yeah. Mac. Mario, Mac was with you, right?"
"Yeah, Mac was with me. He with Doc right now. I'll go check on him later." A lump formed in Mario's throat. "Listen, Luigi, I am so sorry for what happened and-"
"Mario, it's not your fault for what happened. Honestly, I'm just happy I get to see you guys again. My family."
"Glad to see you too," Lou said.
"So, what happened again? Some gang member or something?"
"Apparently some Bloods did a drive-by on a Crip right in front of the apartment building," Mario said.
"What?" Luigi said. "Dude, that's crazy. Why?"
"Honestly? I think he was just walking down the street and got caught being in Blood territory."
A nurse came in with a cart. "Hello. Excuse me, it's time for his food and medical evaluation. If you could excuse us for a moment."
"Oh, you're fine." Mario scooted past her. "I'll just step back outside. Take is easy, Luigi!"
The Martinets and Pauline walked into the waiting room. "So, that went well," Yoko said. "At least we know he's alive."
"That's good." Mr. Martinet said. "I can't wait to tell him that Mario's going to go to prison for attempted murder."
"Lou, come on now." Mrs. Martinet said. "We'll focus on this arrest charge stuff later."
"My son is going to prison," Lou said. "You want me to just ignore that?"
"Mr. Martinet, Mario's not going to prison," Pauline said. "I'll get a judge that will let Mario off easy. He'll plead no contest and he'll be right back out. Thank God he has a gun license. He might do like a few months, max. Ten years probation, something like that."
"Oh good. You can buy my son his freedom. Can you buy my other son his legs back?"
"I can try?"
"All this happened because someone just couldn't stay put and decided to be a plumber." Mr. Martinet said.
Are you staying at this is my fault?" Mario asked. "Look I know you're mad at me but I did not let this happen. I'll take the heat for my arrest but you will not pin what happened to Luigi on me."
"Meh, I don't know Mario. Every day it was always something new with you. Always had to be a Trailblazer. Couldn't listen to what anyone had to say at all. Always had to do things your own way all the time. Even when a simple, easy solution was right in front of you. And look where it's gotten us. We're sitting in a hospital and your brother is a cripple now."
"You saying this is my fault?!" Mario said. "Listen Dad, just because I didn't want to spend my life slaving away in a pizza joint doesn't mean that I didn't care about Luigi. He signed up with me on this!"
"You dragged him into this and you know it!" Lou said. "You knew that Luigi wouldn't leave his brother alone. You had him guilt-tripped from the start!"
"What, and you haven't been guilt-tripping us for the past 19 years?" Mario responded. "All I wanted to do to do something different. And we were doing good! We were keeping our necks above water. Slowly making money. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't bad. We were making progress. You've been in that pizza place for years. That one little restaurant on the street corner. Is that it? Is that all you can get it to be?"
"Mario, we have a tradition. We take that little restaurant on the street corner and we keep it going. We make enough money to ensure the future. Because when I'm dead and gone, I want to know that this family is on stable ground and has something comfortable to work with."
"I thought the goal of the family was to make each generation better. To expand. You've been in that place all your life. "Granddad was in that place all his life. Great-grandad was in that place all his life. Dad, you're not improving. You're stuck. Stuck on a treadmill. Why can't you see that? Do you just choose not to see that?"
"You see. That's your problem. You call me stuck. I'm not stuck. I'm secure. And you could have been too. If you had just taken the opportunity that had been given to you. That I worked my life for. That my father worked his life for. And that his father worked his life for. All of it was for you and your brother. And your kids. And your kids' kids."
"Well I'm sorry dad, I just wanted more."
"You always want more, don't you? So being given a stable business right out of high school isn't good enough for you? The decades of blood, sweat, and tears that went into this business isn't enough? That I'm not good enough?"
"I just wanted something else! I never meant for this to happen!"
"And look where it got us. You brother is disabled Mario! Paralyzed from the waist down. Can't walk down the street. Can't go up some stairs. Gonna need help using the bathroom."
"Dad, that's my brother!" Mario said.
"And that's my son! If you had have been with me, that wouldn't have happened. I could have looked after you more! He got like this because he's running up behind your mess!"
"I never meant for this to happen! I just didn't want to get stuck in the old way of doing things!"
"I'm not old, I'm mature! And I've been waiting for you to become mature so you could run this business!" Lou shouted. "If you had put the put the same effort and smarts into the restaurant that you put into that plumbing business, maybe you could have done that expanding stuff that you've always felt so compelled that you had to do."
"You two stop it! Right now!" Yoko shouted. "This is not the time for you two to be fighting Luigi needs us."
"I've had enough of this! I'm outta here!"
"Where do you think you're going? Your brother is in there."
"We'll I'll come back when you two are done. I don't have to take this! I'm a grown man."
"We'll your acting like a child!" Lou shouted as Mario walked down the hall, toward the elevators.
"Mario, wait!" Pauline went after him.
"You know it's not his fault." Mrs. Martinet. "This is tearing him up inside just as much as it is you."
"...I know Yoko." Lou was fuming. "I know. I tried to tell him. I tried to tell him this plumbing thing was a mistake. That it would lead to nothing but trouble."
"Hey. You know that boy loves his brother and would do anything for him. Remember when the boys were in school and anytime someone picked on Luigi, Mario would get sent home because he would always beat the stuffing out of the brat who did it?"
"Yeah. I remember. That's why he got arrested. They ain't kids no more, Yoko. They ain't kids no more."
"Listen, your dad is just stressed." Pauline said as Mario got into the passenger's seat. "He didn't mean what he said."
"He meant every damn word he said." Mario spat back. "But you know what? He's right. He's right about all of this." He almost ripped out the seatbelt trying to strap himself in. "But I'll be damned if I admit that I'm wrong to him. He thinks that I just disregard Luigi and use him as a slave. I love my brother I love him. I would have NEVER started up this business if I knew it was gonna end this way. I told him about Mac, and then he asked Luigi about it, right in front of my face! It's obvious he doesn't trust me. He's just been waiting for me to fail!"
"Listen, you need some sleep. How about you come back to my apartment. A cell is no place for a guy like you. And I can tell you didn't get any in jail. I'll take you home."
"I should go check on Mac-"
"You're going to get some sleep. And hopefully a change of clothes. You kind of reek, Mario."
"Whatever," Mario said, before sniffing himself. Damn. He stunk.
Pauline considered swinging by Mario's place to have him get some of his clothes. But the Wario Brothers were right across the street. No use risking it. Straight to her apartment.
Getting back to her apartment, Pauline handed Mario some of her clothes to change into after a shower. A plain white tee and some black shorts. "Attempted murder has a pretty high bail so I don't want to hear a thing from you."
"No, I'll gladly take them." Mario accepted. "Gotta practice wearing booty shorts for all them boys in the prison yard knowhadimean?"
"Pfft." Pauline said. "I better not hear you dropping this soap in there."
"Oh come on Pauline. You practice how you play. It's just good exercise."
While Mario was in the shower, he heard the phone ring from the bedroom. Followed by shouting. Lots of shouting.
Think I'll stay outta this one. Mario thought, taking his time in the shower.
Slowly walking out of the bathroom, Mario found that the phone was shattered on the floor. Pauline had her head buried in a pillow. "That was my parents."
"They don't seem too happy. What'd they say?"
"I made a deal with them. They won't put you in prison if..."
"If?"
"If I break up with you, quit my job at the diner, and work full time under my dad. Probably as a CFO or something like that." She looked down at her lap, going quiet.
Mario fell silent as well, searching for the right words. "Pauline..."
"So, my parents win again. As always." Pauline said. "They've always decided everything for me. What I wear, who I talk to, what I watch on TV, everything. You know back in school they would have those little 'What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up' questionnaires? Everyone would put what their dreams were and everything, and I was stuck because well, my dream was already picked for me. I never really thought about what I wanted to be, because whenever I wanted to do something, my parents always shot me down. They'd tell me to 'stay on task'and 'focus on reality' and all that other bullshit. Like, I don't have a say-so in my own life. And you know what? Maybe taking me under their wing is a good thing. I'm sure I'll learn a lot and make plenty of money as time goes on. Hopefully live up to the family name. But the thing is, it just feels like I was born solely to inherit the company's empire."
She paused for a second, before laughing. "Oh who am I kidding? That's exactly the reason I was born. Guess that's also why I'm an only child. Don't wanna have the kids fighting after we're gone! They really do think of everything! Hahahaha..." Pauline buried her face into her arms as laughter turned to sobbing.
"Pauline..." Mario pulled her close. This is my fault. He thought to himself. I gave Giovanni the opening he needed.
"I just want to do what I want." She said, crying. "I know my parents are doing what's best, and they've benefited my life so much and I thank God for them every day, but, why can't I just make my own life choices? Does this make me a spoiled brat? I don't know if I should feel this way or not, but I do. Mario, I love you. I don't want to lose you. My parents always wanted me away from you, and now, I guess they get what they want. And it just sucks."
"Listen Pauline, you have the right to feel whatever you want," Mario said. "I know you still love your parents. Things might be a little awkward at dinner for a while, but I'm sure you'll patch things up. And besides, even if you are a brat, you're my brat." He smirked.
"Thanks. You always know how to cheer me up."
"So, I guess our relationship is now on borrowed time," Mario said.
"I guess it is." Pauline sighed. "What do you want to do now?"
"I still gotta go see Mac," Mario said. "Wanna drive over?"
"Sure, where are we going?"
"Manhattan."
"You know, every day I make him walk home."
"WHAT?!" Pauline said. "You know that's like, an hour driving. So it's gotta be a three-hour walk home. Every day?"
"He needs the exercise!"
"Mario, he's 14, right?"
"Okay, I give him 15 bucks for food every day. He can stop, get a dollar sandwich and a drink. Normally he's home by noon.
"You know, if you had asked me to marry you. I probably would have." Pauline said.
"I know."
"So why didn't you?"
"I didn't want to make it seem like I was going after your money."
"Well damn Mario. You don't always have to make it about money. At least call me pretty or something!" Pauline laughed.
"Beauty is only skin deep!" Mario replied chuckling. "I'm a man of substance! And subsidies."
"You are still terrible," Pauline said laughing. "I don't even know why I'm laughing. I'm in shock. You are just so ridiculous."
"I don't abuse him. I promise." Mario said. "CPS hasn't knocked on our door yet, I'm good."
"This is why my parents want me to break up with you," Pauline said, still chuckling a little. "We're both horrible people, aren't we?"
Mario smirked. "Yes, but we are horrible in style."
Mario and Pauline pulled up into the Punch-Out Gym.
"Mario, you're out?" Mac said. "I saw it on the news? You got arrested, didn't you? Weren't you about to kill that guy?"
"Mac. Mac. Calm down. Pauline paid my bail. Don't worry about me."
"Well, what about Luigi? Is he alright?"
"He's...alive," Mario said. "So, what's going on with you?"
"We got some big news ourselves, today." Doc Louis said. "The word on the grapevine was that some spokespeople from the WVBA were going to go to this big gym in the Queens. So I went there today and guess what I found." Doc said. "The WVBA sometimes give out contracts. He continued. "It's called a Future Investment Contract, or FIC." Doc said. "Basically the WVBA is paying you money to work out, stay clean, stay out of jail, and show up to some events. It's their way of watching who comes into their business. Develop boxers that act like professionals. Make sure no clowns come in and embarrass them. Smart little operation they got there. "
"They paying anything?" Mario asked.
"A thousand dollars a week, until the boxer turns 18."
"52 grand a year?!" Mario said. "This FIC sounds amazing. When are you getting one?"
Doc and Mac glanced at each other. "About that..." Doc said. "Like I said, they was at a big gym in Queens. They were talking to a few guys there about giving them contracts. Not us. So, I got on the phone to talk to a... former associate of mine. And he decided that Mac would get a contract... if he won a fight."
"A fight?"
"Against a boxer from that gym in Queens. Mac's got that fight in three weeks." Doc said.
"Well is he ready?" Mario asked.
Doc laughed. "Sure this boy's ready!" He gave Mac a pat on the back. "I've been training with him every day for months. He's come a long way. I mean look at him! Kid looks jacked! You know what Mac? That's enough training for the day. Go hit the showers." Doc turned back to Mario. "Hey, mind if we talk outside?"
"Sure, no problem."
"I'll be in the car," Pauline said.
Doc and Mario went outside and walked down the sidewalk. It was a cold, crispy night. "So, things gonna be okay with you?" Doc asked. "I know you got arrested. How much time until your trial?"
"Ah, I ain't worried 'bout no trial at all. Pauline's gonna hook me up. I'll probs get some probation. Maybe 6 months jail. Be back out on the street. I gotta figure what I'm going to do with the shop. I mean, first I gotta clean it up."
"I don't mind helping you repair the apartment."
"No, it's good, I got it. Insurance covers property damage, so that's good. It's just when after everything is all patched up. Luigi won't be able to help anymore. I'd either have to hire someone or... maybe I should just give it back to the bank. Fuck. I don't know what I'm gonna do."
"Can you move back in with your mom or something?" Doc asked.
"Yeah, that's probably what I'm gonna have to do," Mario said.
"You gonna be able to find a job?"
"Yeah. I can get a job. No problem." Mario responded. I'm not old, I'm mature! And I've been waiting for you to become mature so you could run this business!
Mature. He had never thought of it that way.
They were leaning on a railing, looking out on the water. The Statue Of Liberty stood tall in the distance. "Fuck," Doc said. "I need a cigarette." He pulled out a pack of Malborough.
"How long's it been?" Mario said.
"10."
"Years?"
"Minutes," Doc said as he lit one up. After taking a long drag, a puff of smoke escaped his lips.
"Kid they want Mac to fight is 17 years old and 15-3. Won a boxing tournament last year. He's good. Damn good."
"Hold on," Mario said. "Mac's never even been in a fight before. This ain't even fair He ain't got a chance."
"Any man with two hands got a fighting chance. And Mac's in good shape. His conditioning is good. He's a natural at defense. Really good. But his offense..."
Doc took another drag off his cigarette. "Kid's afraid of taking hits. He doesn't throw many punches 'cause he's scared of letting himself open for counters. And that's the kind of thing that gets you knocked out. He would let opponents settle in and they would pick him apart. You can't avoid getting hit in boxing. If your opponent keeps swinging, he's gonna get you sooner or later. And if you don't swing back, you're just inviting him to tee off on ya."
"He ain't ready for this fight then, huh?" Mario replied.
"He's ready. But he's got to realize that. I keep having him put most of his focus on his defense until he really starts experimenting and testing himself on offense and develop his punches. His offense needs development. Punches lack that crispness. Technique is more important than conditioning, but Mac's offense is lacking. And plus, the kid is just doubting himself. He scared. If you go into a fight thinking you can't win, you've already lost before the bell rung."
"Hey if it was my first fight for a chance at a contract, I'd be nervous too," Mario said. "Doc, this is a setup. I know that, and if I know it, you definitely gotta know it."
"I do. And I understand where Mac is coming from. But even the tiniest bit of fear, of second guessing, can be the reason you lying on the floor. Good or bad, you got to believe in yourself and your strategy. And I just don't see that in Mac right now. He's going along with the program for now, but I can tell he doesn't want to do this. I see it in his eyes. I'm not sure he's gonna win that fight and get that contract, Mario. Now I'm gonna do my damn best to get Mac ready for that fight, but even his he can't, he has to at least try to make something happen and get a win. Now tomorrow, I'm gonna go see if I can get my hands on some footage of that other boxer. If we can predict what he's going to do, Mac will at least know his windows to throw safe punches, and hopefully, his confidence will build up and he'll get more aggressive. The kid's gotta want it."
"Listen. I don't know if it's gonna help or not. But, you can keep Mac at your house until the fight. Squeeze out whatever more training you can. I still gotta take care of the apartment and stuff."
"No man, I completely understand. I can make some room at my place for him. My dog Allie would probably love someone to play with. She an energetic little boxer. Yeah. Mac can sleep on the couch."
"Well, sounds like a plan Doc. I'll leave you to it." Mario said. "Take care of yourself. I gotta go back, get some sleep. Parents want me up bright and early for Mass tomorrow."
Doc nodded his head. "That's good. That's good. Church is important for the mind and soul in times of crisis. Take it from me man, I've been through more ups and downs in my life than I can count. If it hadn't given myself to God and become a born again Christian, I wouldn't be here today." Doc looked down at his cigarette. "Shit. I'm relapsing." He took his cigarette and flung it into the water. "But yeah, you just have to stay strong with the faith. You got to believe in something."
"I don't even believe in myself," Mario said, pausing. "Doc, can I tell you something?"
"Anything," Doc replied.
"I, I think there is a God, but... I think we're all just fish in a tank to him. Every now and again he'll push us in one way or another, but for the most part, he's just content with letting us stew in our own juices and hopes one day we sort ourselves out. I've... thought about this for a while now, but I've never told my parents, or Luigi, or anyone because I don't want them to freak out about me. It's just that..." Mario paused, choking up for a second.
"My brother's been to Mass every Sunday of his life. He's a lot better person than what I'll ever be. And for what? All the good he's ever done in his life, just to get shot by some fucking Bloods? He doesn't deserve this. He doesn't deserve this one bit. And yet it's happened. He's crippled. Crippled to a wheelchair until the day he dies. Why? Would a merciful God, a kind God, really allow this to happen to someone like Luigi. If he controls everything and perpetuates our lives, why would he cause this to happen? Why do this to my brother? Is it a test of faith, is that it? Was all the good my brother's done not enough? What more does my brother have to do to please this God? Is it a punishment? Is it because of, because of of...me?"
"I get that. I get that." Doc nodded. "I know you gotta lot of questions, a lot of blame, a lot of doubt, a lot of fear, running through your mind. And I much as I wish I could give you the answers, I can't. I'm sorry, but I can't. Still, ya gotta try to stay strong. Even if you can't, even if it's tough, even if you can't, ya gotta try to keep going forward."
"I know," Mario said, a tear rolling down his cheek. "I know. It doesn't make this any better."
"I understand. I was once crying just like you. Go home. Get some rest."
"You wanna stop somewhere can get something to eat?" Pauline asked, driving down the road.
Mario leaned back in his seat. "Nah, I'm not really hungry."
"Something wrong?" She asked.
"Just a lot of stuff on my mind right now. Is all." He shook it off. For Pauline. "Yeah. Let's just head home. I wonder if any good movies are on. You got popcorn at your house, right?"
"Butter too," Pauline replied with a grin. "Alright. Home it is."
The drive back to Pauline's place was quiet. She figured Mario would like a little time to himself. Lord knows he would need it.
Brother's paralyzed. Fuckers who caused it gonna get away. Gonna get a record. Gonna lose my business. Gonna lose my girlfriend. A friend might blow his whole future away. Doesn't feel like anyone watching over me. Just fish in a bowl. He thought.
Fish in a bowl.
Pauline reached over and squeezed his hand. "It's gonna be okay." She said. "I promise."
Mario looked out the window. What the fuck was wrong with him? Most guys would still be sitting in jail looking at decade up the river for attempted murder. He was free and probably gonna stay that way. And his brother was still alive. This wasn't a good situation, but it could be a lot worse. He glanced over a Pauline. No doubt about it.
He definitely had a guardian angel looking over him.
Somebody's house is burning down, down, down down
Down, down, down
Start Of Electric Ladyland.
