17 Comments
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Nan Dozier's avatar

This is so incredibly sad! I knew what was coming but the writing would not let me stop. Good, as usual, Harvey.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Thanks, Nan.

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SAM TURNERl's avatar

Good writing! Yeah. I'm still alive.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Thanks, Sam. Always glad to hear from you.

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James Ron's avatar

Intense, Harvey. Enjoyed it a lot. It had me wondering why the ref and Tats didn't stop the fight as injuries mounted. Had me thinking it was a hit job.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Maybe. Or maybe it was just too much over the years. Shrug. I dunno. :-)

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Carrie's avatar

Yes, the "if they ever arrived" made me think maybe the trainer didn't call anyone. Or at least not help.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

In my mind (if I recall) it was NYC, a seedy fight in a seedy, crowdy, noisy arena, a washed-up boxer (his mind going or gone from too many beatings (but he "hadda keep fightin'), overworked ambulance crews, etc.

Unfortunately what was "in my mind" didn't make it onto the page. See why I keep saying take your time, be sure what's in your head as the story unfolds makes it onto the page?

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

An excellent piece of writing, Harvey. I feel like I was in the room!

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Thanks, Mardy. "I feel like I was in the room" is the highest praise a fiction writer can receive.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Well, in this case, it was well-deserved.

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Julia E.'s avatar

I began tearing up halfway and then the end… thanks for all the feels.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Wow, thanks, Julia. :-)

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George P Farrell's avatar

Sounds like life beat him up as much as his battle in the ring. Nice story.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Thanks, George. That's kind'a how I felt too.

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Carrie's avatar

Good story. He remembered what was important. His family.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

Only he didn't remember they were gone. :-)

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