Sarcophagus

The Final Fight

He walked down the interior of the train station, the architecture always made him smile. How much history had these walls seen. Digging into his jacket pocket his hand finally found the train ticket. Checking his times he made sure he had plenty of time before his train left the station. He hated rushing, so many things were missed while people rushed around. Knowing that he had time, he began to slowly make his way toward his awaiting train. His name was Harvey Dennison, if you didn't recognize the name you're not the only one. Harvey was a boxer and he lived his whole life watching the main event. He had won a few fights, but he never got that one big fight, the one you could hang your hat on. Crushing defeats had always marred his career, that big fight was always one win away. With a face marked with the scars of his trade, he sighed and found the train to his last shot.

Boarding the train he found his seat. He sat down hard in his seat, a little tired from all of the travel thus far, looking out the window he wondered who else had sat here and gazed out that same window. The train lurched forward as it started its journey southward. He chuckled as he thought of the stories and songs that all started with a southbound train. Harvey pulled out the paper from his pocket, unfolding it carefully. He almost expected to see something different, some key piece of information he had missed. As he reread the letter he only reassured himself that he was indeed headed to that big fight he had always wanted. The letter had arrived one day and like mana from the sky he had been handed a golden opportunity. The letter exp[lained how there was a main card fight that was to take place in Atlanta, the winner was going to be crowned the number one contender and get a shot at the title. One of the fighters had backed out, so still having a little pull in the business, his name had been tossed around. So now it was billed more as a tune up fight for the other fighter before his title shot. Harvey couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he won, talk about a fight you could hang your hat on, beating a number one contender. He smiled as he returned the letter to his pocket and leaned back in his seat. He was going to enjoy this ride. The sunshine felt good on his face as the train gently swayed, eventually his eyelids got heavy and he drifted off to sleep.

He was back in the ring, he never felt better as he floated around the ring with ease. He hadn't felt this good in a long time. Every mover his opponent made he had a counter for, jabs glanced off his gloves and haymakers found no purchase. Harvey couldn't help but smile through his mouth guard, he and his opponent had started this game of cat and mouse, now he was waiting to pounce. He could feel his cold sweat running down his face as he focused in on his prey. Another glancing jab that was met by padding and leather. Then Harvey saw his opening and he pounced. His opponent over-committed with his attack, Harvey grinned like a tomcat about to dine. With a sidestep Harvey landed a ferocious uppercut that knocked a spray of sweat off the other man's face as his head snapped back, the man's mouthpiece was ejected into the bloodthirsty audience. As he stumbled Harvey lined up another shot and landed a punch on his opponent's jaw. That one sent him crashing down to the canvas. The referee raced over and stood over the fallen boxer, checking his eyes, the referee saw there was no one home. With a flourish he called for the bell to be rang, The crowd roared with delight as the fight was over. Harvey scanned the crowd while the referee raised his arm. He thought he knew how the old Roman gladiators had felt when a roaring crowd called their name, a sea of people gnashing their teeth and calling for blood. As he stood triumphant, a reporter rushed in the ring and stuck a microphone in his face.

"Sir, Sir!" The reporter shouted to get his attention.

"It's Harvey!" He shouted back at the reporter.

"Ok Harvey, do you mind if I sit here?

With a stir he awoke, back on the train, but this time there was a younger woman standing in front of him.