CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 49: THE AFTER

Javier sits in his corner with Miguel after he had rushed into the boxing ring to meet him. They sat still waiting for the judges while the Marcus Garvey people also stood outside the ring.

The three judges huddle around their scorecards at ringside, comparing notes and adding final scores. The fight was close enough that any result seems possible. Conversations buzz throughout the venue as people debate who won. But that wasn’t his main concern, it was the judgement and also assessment of the fight. Vicente also was his concern as he didn’t know why he dissapeared to before.

Just before the judges finish their assessment and the announcement, Vicente appears one final time beside Javier, his ghostly form solid with pride. He doesn’t speak, just nods once with deep satisfaction. His companion has become a real fighter. Then he fades away.

The announcer takes the microphone as both fighters stand in the center ring, arms around each other’s shoulders. "Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds of entertaining boxing, we have a decision..."

The pause feels eternal. Dr. Vasquez grips Tommy’s arm so tight he winces. The Marcus Garvey kids hold their breath.

"Judge Martinez scores the bout 29-28. Judge Williams scores the bout 28-29. Judge Thompson scores the bout 29-28. By majority decision... the winner and advancing to Monday’s quarterfinals... Javier Restrepo!"

The Marcus Garvey section explodes with deafening celebration. Dr. Vasquez bursts into tears of pride and relief. Tommy leaps over the barrier and rushes toward the ring. The upset is complete - the novice has beaten the veteran.

Javier raises his gloves to the crowd, barely able to believe what just happened, although it was not out of his expectation but it was still shocking. His legs wobble with exhaustion but his smile could light up the entire venue. Miguel wraps him in a bear hug that lifts him off his feet.

Despite his disappointment, Wells embraces Javier genuinely at center ring. "You earned that win. Keep working hard." His sportsmanship in defeat shows the character that boxing builds.

The tournament medical officer checks both fighters thoroughly. Javier shows no serious damage beyond the swelling in his hands and minor facial puffiness that’ll need ice overnight. The satisfied exhaustion of a fighter who left everything in the ring.

Wells needs longer examination, that uppercut having rattled him more than he let on during the fight. But he’s cleared - just bruised and discouraged, nothing serious.

Dr. Vasquez pushes through the crowd to reach ringside, tears streaming down her face. The younger Marcus Garvey kids swarm Javier with congratulations and excitement. Kevin waves his glittery sign so hard it starts falling apart.

Tommy reaches the ring first, having vaulted the barrier in his excitement. "I knew you had it! I knew you could do it!" His voice is hoarse from screaming but his pride is unmistakable.

Officials post updated tournament brackets. Javier’s name appears in Monday’s quarterfinal round, scheduled for 6 PM, facing Jerkins Glee from Crown Heights Boxing Club. Eight fighters remain in the welterweight novice elite division.

Miguel can barely contain his emotion as he helps Javier out of his gloves. But between the celebration, he’s already making mental notes. "You stayed behind that jab perfectly in round three. That’s what opened everything up. Monday we work on maintaining that pace for longer stretches."

Local fans approach for quick congratulations. Javier’s upset victory over the more experienced Wells has impressed the community. Some of the other coaches nod respectfully at Miguel.

Still breathing hard, Javier looks around the venue with new eyes. Three days ago he was just another group home kid with a dream. Now he’s a quarterfinal fighter who proved he belongs at this level.

[CONGRATULATIONS]

[GOLDEN GLOVES LOCAL: ROUND OF 16 PASSED]

[FIGHTER STATUS: PROVEN COMPETITOR]

[NEXT CHALLENGE: QUARTERFINALS - MONDAY 6 PM]

The Marcus Garvey group begins gathering their things, ready for the journey home. Tommy walks beside Javier, both still buzzing from the night’s victories.

"Can’t believe we both won," Tommy says, shouldering his gym bag. "Two kids from Marcus Garvey in the quarterfinals."

"Feels crazy," Javier agrees. "Just this morning I was hoping to not embarrass myself."

"Now we’re both fighting Monday. Same venue, same dream." Tommy grins despite his exhaustion. "Group home boys making noise."

The van ride home is loud with celebration, everyone talking over each other about the fights. Dr. Vasquez keeps glancing back at them in the rearview mirror, her smile never fading.

Back at Marcus Garvey, the younger kids finally crash from their excitement. Javier and Tommy drag themselves to the dormitory, every muscle aching but spirits high.

Javier collapses onto his narrow bed, pulling off his shirt with hands that still throb from the fight. His shoulders scream in protest.

A soft blue glow appears in the corner of his vision.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

[OFFICIAL USA BOXING RECORD UPDATED]

[CURRENT RECORD: 1-0-0]

[STATUS: ADVANCING FIGHTER]

Vicente materializes beside his bed, more solid than usual in the darkness. "You fought like a champion tonight."

Javier turns his head on the pillow, wincing as his neck protests. Relief floods through him at seeing the ghost again. "Thanks for the coaching. That uppercut wouldn’t have happened without you."

"You did the work. I just reminded you what you already knew." Vicente’s form flickers slightly, his expression softening as he watches Javier struggle to get comfortable on the narrow mattress.

Javier sits up slowly, his body screaming in protest. The question that’s been eating at him for days finally spills out. "Where did you disappear to all this while?"

Vicente’s ghostly face tightens, something dark passing through his translucent features. He turns away from Javier’s searching gaze. "We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Get some rest."

The evasion stings, but Javier’s too exhausted to push. His shoulders sag as he settles back against his thin pillow. "Okay."

The ghost disappears, leaving Javier alone with his thoughts and the steady breathing of sixteen other boys. His first official win. Quarterfinals Monday.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges. Tonight, he just needed sleep.