Chapter 7: Falls and Lessons

The next day, Oscar got up earlier, feeling the urgency of the moment. He went into the bathroom and washed his face, the cold water waking him up from a sleep that seemed endless. He looked in the mirror, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and vulnerability.

"Let's solve this problem," he told himself, as if his reflection could give him the strength he needed.

Feeling refreshed, he left the bathroom, grabbed a quick snack, and got ready. He was ready to face the day, although he knew it wouldn't be easy. The pressure weighed on his shoulders like a dark cloud.

Before leaving, he knelt in front of his bed, closing his eyes tightly. He cried out to God for strength to continue and solve his problems. At that moment, he felt his faith increase; It was as if every word spoken filled his soul with motivation.

With a new shine in his eyes, he got up and left his apartment. The morning was cold, but the breeze reminded him that he was alive and ready to face what was coming. He walked towards Thomas Brown's club, feeling that each step brought him closer to the solution he longed for.

Oscar arrived at the place and pushed the door, the sound resounded like an echo in the environment. Upon entering, he noticed that several glances were turned towards him, as if his presence broke up the conversation they were having. The atmosphere became dense; all the men gathered seemed more than interested in his arrival.

Among them was John Bell, who frowned when he saw Oscar, wondering what he was doing there. However, he wasn't going to let it go after what he had been doing.

—What the hell are you doing here? Come on! —John exclaimed, addressing the other men with a defiant tone.

The men began to surround Oscar, positioning themselves as if they were ready to fight. Despite the mounting pressure and threatening glances, Oscar remained calm. He knew he hadn't come looking for trouble, but he was also aware that if the time came to defend himself, he was ready to do so.

Just then, Thomas Brown made his entrance. The atmosphere changed instantly; All the men turned their heads towards him, as if he were the sun that eclipsed everything around him. With a firm gesture, he made his men stop.

Brown walked toward Oscar, keeping a safe distance, but his presence was undeniable.

—Didn't I tell you not to show up here? —he said with a threatening tone, his eyes fixed on Oscar as if he were trying to read his mind.

Oscar was not intimidated.

"I don't care what you told me," he replied firmly, challenging Brown's authority.

The tension was palpable. Thomas raised an eyebrow, both intrigued and annoyed.

"So, what have you come for?" he asked, his voice thick with disdain.

"Let's make a deal," Oscar proposed, determined not to back down. —How much money does Miranda owe you?

Brown let out a mocking laugh that echoed through the room.

"He owes me a lot more than you could imagine," he responded, as if he was enjoying the power he had in that situation.

Oscar did not give up.

"Tell me how much it is, I'll try to pay the debt for it," he said with unwavering determination.

Brown approached Oscar, placing himself right in front of him, like a menacing shadow.

—Do you really want to save her? Do you want to be his hero? he said sarcastically, a smirk playing on his lips. Listen, even if you kill yourself working to get the money, I won't accept it from you. The problem I have with Miranda stays between us. You're not interested in that.

Oscar felt the air become thick. Brown continued, getting even closer, his voice a menacing whisper.

"So you better resign yourself," Thomas said, as if each word were a blow.

Oscar stared at him, his eyes dripping with implacable seriousness. He realized that this plan would not work.

"And one last thing," Brown added, his smile now provocative and defiant. I don't want you anywhere near Miranda. If you keep doing it... things will go wrong for you.

The mockery was evident in his tone.

—Do you really think she would notice someone like you? "Now, get out of here," Brown said, with an authority that resonated in the room. I hope this time it sticks in your head.

Oscar had nothing more to say; Helplessness consumed him and he walked away from the place, his footsteps echoing on the sidewalk. As he left the club, Thomas Brown raised his hand and called out to Jhon Bell with a determined gesture. Jhon, always alert, approached quickly, his expression serious.

"Listen," Thomas said quietly. Research more about him. I want to know thoroughly who I'm dealing with.

Jhon nodded, his gaze reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

Oscar headed to Miranda's house, completely ignoring Thomas Brown's warnings. The need to be with her overcame any fear.

He knocked on the door and, when it opened, he was met with Miranda's radiant smile. In that instant, all the weight of the world seemed to vanish; It was like I was floating.

—It's nice to see you, Oscar! —she said, her voice full of warmth—. I thank you for not leaving me alone in this. But... you better not get involved anymore. "You'll get into serious trouble because of me," he added, his concern palpable.

Oscar looked at her with a defiant smile, as if the danger were just a distant echo.

—Don't worry about me. "The only thing that matters now is that you are free from that guy's clutches," Oscar responded, his voice firm. I made you a promise and I'm here to keep it.

Miranda watched him for a moment, her gaze softening.

"Thank you really," he paused, as if weighing his words. Hey, Oscar... could you tell me a little more about yourself? I want to know you better.

The interest in her voice was unmistakable, and it made Oscar's heart pound.

"Of course, it would be an honor... Well, I'll tell you a little about myself," Oscar sighed, searching for words. You see, I used to compete in the UFC before. I was a good fighter, I managed to win the title once... I was at a point in my life and career where I believed I was invincible, as if I already had everything under control.

Miranda looked at him curiously, encouraging him to continue.

—Despite having won, I felt empty. I was missing something other than just money and fighting. One day, I had a fight; It was the last one inside a UFC arena. I was coming from several consecutive fights and I was exhausted... I don't know why I didn't open my eyes to what was really happening.

Oscar ran his hand through his hair, remembering.

—My former representative... Michael Gray. He often organized fights and overexploited me. He made me believe that he really cared about me, but he just wanted to make more money through my fights. I remember one time he told me: "If you don't fight, you are nothing."At the time, I thought I was right, but now I know I was wrong.

Miranda listened to him attentively, her expression reflecting empathy.

—That day of the fight, I was completely lost, the excess of training and the lack of rest... It hurt me, I was cloudy in the fight, that made me throw imprecise punches and not be focused on the fight, that day I lost by knockout. After that Michael Gray abandoned me, he had already earned all the money and squeezed enough, by not getting more out of me he left me stranded. After that defeat, I tried to return, I found another representative, currently it is David Jones. He is a great man.

Over time, I discovered that Michael had only used me; He had even stolen a good amount of money while he was my representative. That revelation filled me with helplessness. When we met again, he greeted me as if nothing had happened, as if I wasn't a hypocrite. I couldn't contain myself and gave him a brutal beating. I remember every hit like it was yesterday.

The problem was that this attack was recorded by the cameras there, which led to it being discovered that it was me. That situation forced me to flee here illegally with the help of David. Now, looking back, I feel deep regret; I shouldn't have acted like that. Since that meeting, I didn't hear anything more about Michael Gray, except that he ended up in the hospital.

Oscar's regret could be seen on his face for having acted that way, and Miranda looked at him, feeling deeply sorry for him.

"I'm so sorry for you, that sounds horrible," Miranda said, her voice soft and understanding.

"Yes, it is..." Oscar sighed, letting the weight of his thoughts escape. Listen, in just a few hours I have to take a bus to another city.

-Oh really? Miranda asked, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and sadness.

—Yes... But I'm not going to take it. I can't leave you alone with that degenerate.

-Really? Oscar, if you feel like you need to go and get your life back, you should do it. You don't have to worry about me.

-No! I must worry. "To me, you are worth a lot," Oscar said, his intense gaze penetrating Miranda's eyes.

Miranda felt a chill run down her spine at the sincerity of his words. At that moment, the outside world faded away and only the connection between them existed.