Tremor

“Where am I?”

A Black man smiles:

“In the very Best Place. I’m the boss here. You have to remember that. And don’t forget. My name is Kaspar…”

He grabs me by the collar and hits me in the jaw. I fall onto cold paving stones. I jump up and catch him in the eyebrow. I slip out of the strike, and my fist—crack!—breaks his broad, simian nose. Kaspar gets lost for a second, and I land a second punch on his scruffy chin. Another blow—his jab catches me in the chest. My breath goes off. I throw my left hand forward, but my opponent swings—an enormous paw chops me just above the temple. My head rings. I try to keep my balance, but I get another hit and end up knocked down.

“Boxer,” Kaspar exhales, satisfied. “Not bad.”

I breathe hard, trying to get back on my feet.

“You’ll learn to be a sensible fighter.” My opponent continues. “No one else is needed here.”