A surprise

“Uncle, the door’s open… and it doesn’t seem like there’s anybody inside,” I said, my voice low and suspicious.

“Maybe your dad’s in his room. Let’s go in,” my uncle replied, stepping through the doorway first.

I hesitated for a moment, then followed. The second I stepped in—pop!

My heart jumped into my throat. The sound was sharp enough to freeze me in place, and I dropped to the floor in pure fear. For a split second, I thought I’d been shot.

Then I heard laughter—my dad’s deep chuckle mixed with the maid’s giggles—from the corner. My eyes darted over and saw my dad holding a party popper, colorful confetti still fluttering down around us.

It hit me instantly—it wasn’t a gunshot at all, just my dad being his mischievous self. The scare had been so unexpected that it felt ten times more terrifying than it should have. My cheeks burned red with embarrassment.

“You should’ve seen your face!” my uncle gasped between laughs, holding his stomach.

“You’re in on this too?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Congratulations, boy-boy!” my dad said, ruffling my hair. Boy-boy—the nickname only he calls me.

“Thanks, Dad,” I said with a shy smile, the shock finally melting away.

“How did you even know? And how were you ready so fast?” I asked.

“Your uncle told me two hours ago,” my dad said proudly. “So, I closed work early to surprise you. I wouldn’t miss this special day for the world—my son is finally going to college.” He said it like he had been the one who passed the entrance exams.

I glanced at my uncle. He gave me a sheepish look that said, Sorry—I wanted it to be a surprise. I had wanted to tell my dad myself, but I couldn’t stay mad. Seeing everyone smiling because of my achievement made my chest warm.

Dad closing work early just for me already felt like the best gift I could ask for—until he said, “Go take a shower. You smell like sweat. We’re going to watch Oleksandr Usyk vs. Canelo Álvarez tonight.”

My jaw dropped. Wait… WHAT?

One of the biggest boxing matches in the world… happening in our city. I had tried to get tickets weeks ago, but they were sold out everywhere.

“Dad—how? I thought there were no more tickets!” I blurted.

He grinned. “Pulled some strings. Got us VIP seats.”

VIP seats?! My head was spinning. I’ve never had a birthday gift this good. Without wasting a second, I bolted upstairs, showered in record time, and was back down dressed and ready.

We piled into the car and drove off.

The arena was packed. Fans swarmed the entrance, tickets were being scanned, snacks sold at every corner, and the lines were endless. At this rate, the fight would start before we even got in.

But Dad led us to another entrance—a red carpet entrance. The line was short, and everyone waiting looked like they’d stepped out of a luxury magazine. You could tell they were rich by the way their suits fit and the expensive scent in the air.

This was the VIP line.

Within a minute, the security guard waved my dad forward. Our tickets weren’t even scanned—just a nod, and we were in. My dad, once again, working his quiet magic.

Inside, our seats were perfect—high up, right behind glass, with a crystal-clear view of the ring and a massive screen above. My uncle sat on one side, Dad in the middle, and me on the other.

We watched a few undercard fights—up-and-coming boxers I’d never heard of, but they put on a show. The crowd roared with every punch.

Then, it was time. The main event.

But for me, there were going to be two main events that night—the fight in the ring… and the moment I’d meet the girl who would change my life.