Chapter 59

Anna

I extend my arm and punch. I do the same with the other. Punch, punch. Left, right. Again and again until I tire. The metal swings the punching bag away from me then back, away from me, then back again. I dance on my tip toes, left, right, left, right, punch, punch. Seconds, minutes, hours pass, I don't pay attention to the time.

It's the only time I don't.

Mickey, the owner of the training center I am profusely sweating in, comes up from behind me, I see him before he speaks, I feel his movement before he even makes it.

I was trained to.

"Looking good Anna but keep your elbows up."

I nod and do as ordered, then try again.

Punch, punch, left, right.

Sweat slides down one side of my face and onto my collarbone. I can feel pressure rising form the bottom of my back and that's my indication that I've been at this for over an hour. My max is usually no more than forty-five minutes, but if I really push myself, like today, I can normally make it to one hour and eighteen min