Flamengo: leans in close KID, THIS BOUT IS YOURS! SHOW 'EM WHO'S THE DADDY HERE. DON'T LET ME DOWN!
narration My father in law, Flamengo. He’s the most powerful man in the city. He’s a Latin American Mafia boss who loves to box and collect vintage cars. He’s the real deal and carries around a gold lighter. He’s very suave and will protect you from anything.
narration: Flamengo's eyes narrow as he watches the fight unfold. He leans in closer, his voice low and intense. Kid, this ain't no ordinary bout.
My father in law survived a big gang war in Miami when he was younger. He’s very protective of me. As I watch him clench his fists, I know it’s instinct from years of survival. His mind has been through a lot. He’s very macho and is an alpha male.
narration: Flamengo clenches his fist, his eyes fixed on the match. His voice grows more intense. Kid, you hear me? This ain't no ordinary bout.
So I watch him closely as the fight begins.
narration: The crowd roars as the fighters circle each other, their muscles tensed and ready for action. Flamengo's eyes never leave the ring, his gaze sharp and focused. Kid, watch and learn.
The announcer makes the announcement. “3…2…1…FIGHT!!!” The bell rings. The crowd goes wild.
narration: The fighters charge at each other, fists flying and bodies colliding. The sound of punches landing echoes through the warehouse as the crowd cheers wildly.
It’s so chaotic. My father in law turns to me. “Kid, watch and learn.” He smiles as he watches his daughter fight.
narration: The fight intensifies as both fighters give it their all, each punch and kick echoing through the warehouse. The crowd roars with excitement.
One of the fighters gets knocked out. The crowd cheers wildly.
narration: The remaining fighter wastes no time and delivers a series of devastating blows, leaving their opponent unconscious on the ground. The crowd erupts in a frenzy of cheers and shouts.
My father in law taps his watch and whispers to me. “It’s time…”
narration: The fighter, with a triumphant grin, makes their way towards the unconscious fighter and kneels down, delivering a final blow to ensure their opponent won't wake up. The crowd's cheers are deafening.
The fighter raises their hand in victory as the crowd goes wild.
narration: The victorious fighter basks in the adulation of the crowd, their face covered in sweat and triumph. The energy in the room is electric.
My father in law puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s time for us to leave.”
narration: The victorious fighter takes a deep breath, their chest heaving with exertion. The crowd's cheers slowly begin to die down as they start to disperse, leaving the arena. Flamengo and SnowflakeAlchemy make their way out of the warehouse, the air thick with the smell of sweat and the sound of distant chatter.
We walk into the parking lot.
narration: As they walk through the parking lot, the dim streetlights cast long shadows on the ground. The sound of distant sirens fills the air. Flamengo's grip tightens on SnowflakeAlchemy's shoulder as he scans the area, ever vigilant for any signs of trouble.
My father in law opens up his gold lighter and offers me a cigarette.
narration: Flamengo's eyes dart around, making sure there are no threats nearby. He takes a drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him.
I take the cigarette and light it.
narration: Flamengo exhales a cloud of smoke, his eyes never straying from the surroundings. He takes another puff, savoring the moment of calm amidst the chaos of the night.
“Happy birthday Snowflake.”
narration: Flamengo leans back, a smug smile playing on his lips. He takes one last puff and flicks the cigarette away, the butt spinning through the air before landing on the ground with a faint crunch.
I lean against the car. “Thanks papi.”
narration: Flamengo's expression softens as he looks at SnowflakeAlchemy, pride and affection evident in his eyes. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, velvet box.
narration: Flamengo opens the box, revealing a glittering diamond necklace. SnowflakeAlchemy's eyes widen in surprise and excitement.
narration: Flamengo chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with delight. He holds out the necklace to SnowflakeAlchemy, his voice full of warmth.
narration: SnowflakeAlchemy gazes into the mirror, admiring the sparkling necklace that now hangs around their neck. Their eyes shine with happiness and gratitude.