When the four of them arrived at Susan’s gym, it was reasonably packed. With help, Susan had moved from a small rectangular space in a strip mall to a large gym. She had three different sectioned-off areas for grappling and a room full of heavy bags along with other striking equipment. And by the entrance, two full boxing rings saw almost constant use. Susan didn’t have many chances to teach anymore. Now, she had people to do that for her. The gym had a complete staff and multiple classes from early morning to late at night. Her members ranged from families with small kids and their parents trying to stay in shape to a couple professional fighters she coached. There was everyone in between. Lily, Hank, and Sevs were part of the program that ran a competitive league for high schoolers. They were not late, but as they showed up, many of the other members of the team were already warming up.

Markus was talking to Susan outside her office. When he saw them come in, he broke off the conversation. “Looks like my class is starting!”

Susan went up on her toe to give him a peck on the cheek, then he jogged over and waved Sevs’s group in. Father clapped Sevs on the back before heading to one of the grappling rooms. The rest followed Markus to the techniques room that was their unofficial meeting palace. Markus gathered the students with a sharp whistle that had the whole building looking in his direction.

The students gathered in a half circle facing Markus. The chatter stopped as they waited to hear what they would do today. This was a class, but it was also a team. Every one of them also completed regularly, often traveling to various tournaments. They supported each other and helped each other train. Because of this, the class was more like a practice. They usually did some conditioning and light sparring. A couple times a week, however, Markus would set up an expert to come and work with them for a particular style. Sometimes it was a BJJ person or a boxer. Sometimes he would get pros to come and visit, or other coaches. Sometimes it was just another instructor from the gym.

“We got a guest today,” Markus announced. “Welcome, Mr. Samuels.”

He raised his hand to the side, indicating a man leaning against the wall. “Let me introduce him a little bit. Former NCAA champion and professional coach, he coaches a gym with 2 world champions and several top contenders. You might ask how I booked him to come out and spend some time with you all. Well, basically, I lied. I told him he would be teaching a bunch of supermodels, and now that he's here, he's too polite to leave. Everyone welcome Mr. Samuels.”

Markus stepped to the side, bringing him up. Mr. Samuels ran a hand down his face before coming up. “Even though I am here under false pretenses, when I saw y’all scrawny asses I said to myself ‘I can’t help but feel sorry for this sad group of young'uns. I better help whip y’all in’ta shape.’ So we’ll gonna start with…”

***

After practice, Sevs sat against one of the padded walls trying to recover his breath. Markus came over and slid down next to him. Not having been excluded from the workout, Markus also struggled to breathe. For a solid minute, they both sat there recovering. Eventually, Sevs had enough breath to speak. “Nice guest today. Please don’t invite him back.”

Markus sucked in another lung full of air. “Yeah.”

Markus adjusted so he sat more upright. The motion reminded Sevs of how he used to look. No longer was Markus a big man with a gut. Now he was still as big and likely could lift as much as ten years ago, but also, now you could see veins in every muscle, and there was extra fat around his middle.

“You would think after doing all this cardio, I would feel better.” Markus continued once he was more comfortable.

“Don’t kid yourself. If you were in the same shape as you were before we started, you wouldn’t even have made it two minutes.

“I know, I just wished it helped more. You don’t seem nearly as bothered.”

“That’s because I didn’t piss off the coach right before the workout.”

“I’ll admit that wasn’t my smartest moment. Couldn't help myself.” Markus let his head bounce against the wall and closed his eyes. That was when Mr. Samuels came over. He kicked Markus’s foot gently. When Markus looked up, Mr.s Samuels gave him a nod.

“Didn’t think you would be crazy enough to keep up with 'em kids. Good work. I’ll stop by next time I’m in town. Some of y’alls got potential.” He gave Sevs a look, then turned on his heel and walked out of the gym. Sevs and Markus looked at each other.

“I hope he gives me a warning. I’ve got a schedule to keep,” Markus commented worriedly.

“Let me know if he does. I might have a fever planned for that day.”

“Come on, it wasn't that bad for you. Wait until you are in your forties. Then you can complain.”

“Hey, don’t limit me.”

Markus reached over and smacked Sevs shoulder. He stood up and called the class together. “34 days.”

Markus spoke in an uncharacteristically soft voice. The room was insulated enough that they could just hear him over the clamor outside. Everyone in the room hushed. It didn’t really help, as Markus only spoke a little softer. The entire group scooted closer. “We have 34 days. Just a little more than a month.”

Sevs marveled at Markus’s stage presence. In a dozen words, he had got everyone's attention. Even the parents in the back had stopped talking to watch. Markus continued.

“Are we ready? Are any of you ready?” He pointed towards one kid on the left and slowly swept his finger across them. “Is a single one of you ready?”

As he spoke, his voice got louder. Pointing at Hank. “Are you ready?”

Hank shook his head. Markus moved his finger over to Lily. “Are you ready?”

“No coach”

Markus pointed at one more. This time he didn’t say anything.

“No coach”

Almost shouting, “Are any of you ready?”

The nearly twenty kids chorused, “No, coach!”

Returning to a normal voice, Markus added. “Good, but we're going to get you ready. Tomorrow's practice is canceled. I want each of you to run for sixty minutes, minimum. Now go home.”