Chapter 23 - ETHAN’S FIGHTCole finally watched Ethan's final fight from beginning to end.
He had avoided doing that for eight years.
Elaine joined him.
Ray offered.
Cole said no.
This belonged to the brothers.
Round One.
Ethan looked good.
Fast jab.
Loose shoulders.
Round Four.
Still competitive.
Round Six.
The round where he had been supposed to fall.
Ethan took a body shot.
For one terrible second Cole wondered.
Then Ethan stepped forward and fired back.
Cole smiled despite himself.
"He changed his mind."
Elaine squeezed his hand.
Round Eight.
Ethan looked exhausted.
His corner told him to move.
Round Nine.
The punishment came.
Velez was simply better that night.
Nothing sinister about the punches.
That almost hurt more.
Ethan refused to stop.
After one combination, Ray climbed onto the apron and called the fight.
Cole watched his brother protest.
Then stumble.
The video ended.
For several minutes nobody spoke.
Elaine cried quietly.
Cole didn't.
His grief had changed.
It wasn't smaller.
It was cleaner.
"He should've stopped sooner," Cole said.
Elaine nodded.
"He thought staying meant courage."
Cole looked at the dark television screen.
"I understand."
"Do you?"
"Now."
Elaine leaned against him.
"Your father used to say both of you were born stubborn."
"That's genetic."
"I blame his side."
Cole laughed.
Then Elaine brought out Ethan's old red wrap.
"Keep it."
Cole shook his head.
"No."
"Why?"
He looked toward the championship belt.
"Because I don't need to carry him into every fight anymore."
Elaine smiled through tears.
May you like
Cole placed the wrap back in her hands.
"I think he'd like that."
