She yearned to experience the feeling of complete freedom. It was more than she could ever pray for. If there was anything she wanted most in the world, it would be to fly. Oh, just to feel that beautiful, playful winds swirl around her! It would be like swimming in the ocean, except she would have no confinements. She would never run into a bank or a beach. She would just continuously circle the earth, and gradually, she would float, float, fly further and further until she disappeared from the earth’s atmosphere.

Jab, cross, hook. Cross, hook. Duck. Hook, cross, kick.

“Keep going!” She could hear her trainer demand as her paced slowed. Her muscles ached, her throat was dry, and all she could do was yell at the top of her lungs as her fists hit the bag. “What are you doing? Keep going!”

She gave out another yell, a more powerful one, and continued to assault the rickety old punching bag.

I’m not going to lose. I’m not going to lose. I’m not going to lose.

“Coach, stop it! She’ll die!”

“She’s fine. What are you doing, Hunter? Keep going!”

The yells that ripped from her throat only added to her adrenaline.

I’m not going to lose. I’m not going to lose. I’m not going to lose.

“All right. That’s enough. You’re done for the day.”

But she continued. Her body was slick with sweat, her breaths coming in only short stops, throat burning, eyes cloudy, anger still raging through her veins. She wasn’t there yet. She had to get there. She paused for a moment, feeling her arm muscles shuddering from overexertion. No, she wasn’t there yet. Not yet.

I’m not going to lose. I’m not going to lose.

She returned into her fighting stance and started again.

Jab, hook, elbow. Hook, elbow. Kick.

“Someone stop her!”

Her legs were weakening, but she was so close, so close. Every part of her screamed in pain. She was beginning to see a bright, bright light. Yes, that’s it. Closer and closer. So close!

She gave one last yell and threw one last punch. Her fist connected with the bag, and she fell onto her back, unable to move. Her head felt amazingly light, and she put forth her last energy to lift her arm to take a look at her wrapped hands. They were slender and graceful, but why couldn’t she hold them straight? Why are they trembling?

She could feel the wind, playing with her hair, beckoning for her to join them. And with a smile, she did.

I won’t lose.