Andy was secretly fearful of fighting. But when his brother was pummeled with eggs, he knew his parents expected him to defend his sibling. Unskilled, Andy boxed, then wrestled on the ground with the lead bully. At home, he proudly explained his black eye.

In his bedroom, he sobbed convulsively.

José J. Morales lives in Albany, New York. He is a retiree of the New York State Education Department. His interests include writing, singing, and oil painting.