I decided to go to the boxing arena to blow off some steam.

Thankfully, my partner, Kenny, was there. He’s a self-defense trainer and I love to spar with him because he’s a good fighter and he doesn’t take it easy on me.

Kenny’s 5’11”, 185lbs, broad shouldered man covered in tattoos from head to toe with blonde hair and green eyes.

He looked over from two of his clients practicing self-defense grapples and we made eye contact. He stepped off the mat and said something to them and came over,

“Hey Kai! You get in a fight with that Jasper guy?”

His sixth sense is uncanny, and I hate that fact about him.

“Yeah, how’d you know?” we shake hands.

“You look like you’re ready to kill someone.”

He said with a big smile on his face,

“Get changed and meet me in the ring, I’ve got an hour I could give you so don’t hold back.”

Kenny really is the best. I get into the ring and everyone starts gathering.

They really love watching Kenny spar.

After 45 minutes of jabs, punches, kicks, blocks, and take downs, I felt better and took off my gear.

“Thanks Kenny, I feel a lot better after sparring with you.”

We shook hands again.

“No problem Kiddo, always nice to having someone else with a mean left hook around, how’s studies going?”

We made small talk as we got out of the ring,

“Good as always, how’s the wife and kids?”

Kenny had a beautiful wife and they shared three girls together who were just as pretty.

“They’re wonderful, but I’m going to turn grey before I turn 35. My oldest decided to tell me she likes a boy! Can you believe that?! A 7-year-old likes a boy! How is a father supposed to react to his precious daughter telling him I’m not allowed to scare her favorite boy?!”

Kenny had a look of dread on his face, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hahahah well that does seem like a difficult situation, good luck with your endeavors Kenny!”

“Yeah right, she’s going to be the end of me!”

We shook hands one last time and I made my way to the showers when one of the clients came up to me,

“Hey, I saw you sparring with the owner, you’re really good.”

He seemed like a new person,

“Oh thanks, I grew up around only men, so I picked up a few things.”

I always forget that not everybody was able to have the type of family that I do.

“Maybe you could train me some time, I wanna spar against Kenny like that, but I’m nowhere near ready.”

He seemed sincere enough.

“Sure! Whenever I have time if we run into each other here.” I smiled back at him.

“Awesome! Thanks! Well see you around!” Then he ran off to go practice some more.

After going to the gym, getting home, and taking a shower I felt better but I still wasn’t ready to talk to Jasper.

I looked at the time and it was 7pm, I got dressed and walked out the door.