He cut in front of me.
His shirt said West Point Boxing.
Everything slowed when I saw it.
He announced he was going first.
I said no; I couldn’t back down.
Betty was terrified. I felt each valve
of my heart thumping and wished
she wasn’t there. I stood still watching
his eyes, seeing their movement.
Not conceding, certain that this would end
badly if I was wrong. I was proud and scared.
If I had given way, I would have broken
my promise. I have no idea why he flinched.
