"Move." He says, ice cold.
"Not until we resolve this."
"There's nothing to resolve!" He shoves past me. "I never want to see or speak to you again. Stay the hell away from me."
"Liam…" I reach for his arm. He jerks away.
"Don't touch me." His eyes are bright. Might be tears. "Just... don't."
We stand there. He's too angry to talk.
"Fine," I say, stepping aside. "Have it your way. But when you end up in the infirmary because your heart stopped from not eating, don't expect me to visit."
Cruel. I regret it immediately. He looks at me like I've slapped him.
"Trust me," he says, quiet now. "If I'm dying, you'll be the last person I'd want to see."
He walks out. Door slamming behind him.
I stand there, breathing hard, hands shaking. Adrenaline, fear, loss.
I slam my fist against the wall. The pain helps.
How did I let it get this bad?
Two days pass. We don't speak. We share a room, share meals, share a routine, and we don't speak. He turns away when I walk in. I pretend not to notice.
MMA is the one part of my day that still works. Technique, repetition, control. No talking required.
Griff stands at the edge of the mats, arms crossed, watching as I demonstrate a takedown for the newer students. He calls on me to help teach sometimes. I like it. I could see myselfdoing this one day.
My eyes find Liam in the second row. Sitting cross-legged, paying attention.
"Remember," I say, circling Jack, who's volunteered as my partner, "it's all about leverage, not strength. Even someone smaller can execute this with proper technique."
I drop my center of gravity, sweep Jack's leg, bring him down. Jack slaps the mat. Perfect partner.
"Good," Griff says. "Ethan's right about leverage. Size helps, but technique wins fights."
I help Jack up, then address the group. "Partner up and practice. Control is everything. Defense, not offense."
The kids disperse. Liam pairs with a newer kid, someone fresh enough to still flinch at loud noises. I notice Liam slowing his movements for him. Getting better every day.
I move on. Focus.
Griff calls for a rotation. Ground defense. I'm demonstrating an escape from a mounted position when I notice Liam whispering something to Jack. Both grinning.
"Something you'd like to share with the class, Marsal?" Griff's voice cuts through.
Liam straightens. "No, sir."
"Then pay attention." Griff turns back to me. "Continue, Ethan."
I resume the demonstration. When I call for practice, Griff approaches me.
"Good work. You're getting better at explaining techniques." He pauses. "But maintain better control of the room. Don't let chatter slide."
"Yes, sir."
