Jimmy shook his head as he saw the kid walking up to the gym through the deep snow.
‘You didn’t have to come in today, kid. No one else did.’
‘Weather’s not gonna stop me.’ He walked off to get changed.
‘You know Rocky was made up, right?’ Jimmy called after him.
Jimmy had seen them all in his time, he had grown cynical. Boxing wasn’t a noble art anymore. Now it was entertainment. You didn’t earn your shot at glory, you bought it.
But this kid was special. He emerged and started on the speed ball.
Jimmy watched the hands dancing. His rheumy eyes shone.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
96 responses to “BELIEF”
I think that’s what all teachers live for. Well told, Iain
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Neil
LikeLike
We all need a reminder of the glory days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially in what appear to be darker times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once in a while that Special Someone walks through your door and renews your faith.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice!!
Your characters are always so … REAL 👏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Viola.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Iain,
The kid is every teacher’s dream, isn’t he? Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so and in this case it seems to be keeping the old timer going. Thanks Rochelle.
LikeLike
The thing about Rocky I most remember is the amazement as the camera tracks Rocky up the long, long staircase and then pans around him, no tracking rail in evidence. Most of the cinema aficionados I knew were mystified. HOW DID THEY DO THAT? Enter the steadicam.
That said, I got a double DVD set of Rocky and Raging Bull. All I can say about that is watch Rocky first, because after watching Raging Bull it doesn’t hold up at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree completely, although Rocky is probably more fun – especially the increasingly silly sequels 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, there’s something romantic in this tale of grit and grime, cynical dreamer and dedicated boy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, despite his old age and world-weariness, he still believes in the dream. Thank you.
LikeLike
Great take on the prompt, Iain. Cynicism goes down in the fourth round to Talent & Dedication.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, indeed. Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
A realistic take on both the prompt and the sport. I hate boxing, and this week’s young victim of the sport has done nothing but strengthen my distaste for it. Good one, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t say I enjoy it particularly either, especially these days when it resembles a game show rather than a sport. There are some inspirational stories to be found in the more innocent days though.
LikeLike
It only takes one enthusiastic and committed individual to make the teacher/trainer’s efforts worthwhile! Great story, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Edith
LikeLike
I really liked the fact that there was this little boy who dreamed a dream that was not ‘trendy’ and yet he was determined to make his unique dream come true. Lovely story, Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Moon – we should all have a dream.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was always entertainment. It just wasn’t always big money entertainment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know if I wholly agree. I think there was a time when it was about the sport rather than the entertainment – but you are right, it is all about big money now.
LikeLike
Heartwarming. Good one, Lain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
It’s a simple story and you tell it impeccably. The picture of the coach carries a deal of conviction. The boy’s dream drives him to persistent, sustained effort.
But a dream that relies absolutely on your ability to hurt and injure others, and that rewards just a tiny handful of its participants, and where you are celebrated for your dominion over others? That’s not a dream I would ever want my children and grandchildren to have.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, perhaps that’s why the old coach has become cynical, and yet he can’t let go of that belief that just once he will find the one who really appreciates and values that ability and nurtures his determination into something positive. I’m not saying I agree with him, but that’s his view.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a sweet story, not in a sappy way, but in a way that shows the determination of the boy, and the appreciation of the instructor. Really well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Alicia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done, Iain! I can’t understand the appeal of boxing. I only like it in movies (go figure).
All pros are just waiting for *that* special one to walk in…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Dale, I rarely take an interest in Boxing, but it does make for great drama.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked this. A lot of folks got the wrong idea after Rocky. It’s still all about hard work and sacrifice. You expressed this so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, so glad you liked it. There are definitely merits to the discipline required for boxing, despite the brutality of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the reblog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you too. My pleasure! Michael 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love dancing hands, Iain. And he’s just what the cynical coach needs to bring back the faith and enthusiasm. Well told.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jilly 🙂
LikeLike
Well done as always, Iain. I like that the “kid” has ambition and is able to impress Jimmy who has probably seen a lot of boxers come and go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly that, thank you Sascha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Boxing not just about brute force
LikeLike
Oops! Sticky fingers hit the enter key too fast. (I am the Ali of the typing world. Not).
What I was trying to say is that boxing is not just a brute sport that involves clobbering your opponent. The preparation that goes into making a good boxer is incredible. Don’t just expect to rock up and beat your opponent. There is skill and technique too. Good story about a dedicated kid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. There is a positive side to a very brutal sport.
LikeLike
Of course Rocky was real, at least for the kid, or it wouldn’t have inspired him to make something more of his life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a little bit of us who all still believe in the story of Rocky, real or not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great positivity in this story with the determination to be the best. Wish the kid had a name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
His name is Hope. Thanks James.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A reminder of his hey day perhaps? A kid with a chance at the big time anyway. Nice piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have it exactly. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is why it’s often more fun to watch Little League, high school football, or just about any sport being played by kids. They’re in it for the love, not the money.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree 100%. A shame when money comes to ruin that initial love.
LikeLike
Wow that’s dedication. Making his mentor proud I’d say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Laurie 🙂
LikeLike
A great nostalgia story that reminds of an age that seems long-gone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Anne
LikeLike
Some kids just have the right ability, you did not have to say any more, fine storytelling
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mike
LikeLike
This is all heart and belief. I loved this story, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jennie
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
every trainer dreams of meeting somebody like him. hopefully, he lives up to the expectation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, and not another disappointment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sweet story of hope. Thank goodness for the Jimmys of the world. Loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jan 🙂
LikeLike
Ahhh … this is a feel good story in so many ways. The trainer must feel proud to have such a dedicated boxing student. I guess there’s a hunger they feel. They must in order to put themselves in that kind of situation. My dad was a big boxing fan. I remember watching the fights and thinking, who wants to get hit like that? Great story, Lain.
Thank you for adding a new word to my vocabulary – rheumy. Enjoy your weekend …
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, thanks for reading and your kind comment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You wouldn’t believe how many cobwebs, dustballs, and mites I had to wade through just to write this comment. Dedication and preserverance will always take you to the next level.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your determination 🙂
LikeLike
I wonder if dancing hands will get anywhere with rheumy eyes? Good story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they could go far.
LikeLike
I think that this is what every coach lives for… to find that talent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. Thanks Bjorn.
LikeLike
A star in the making…it seems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If he sticks on the right path.
LikeLiked by 1 person
*fingers crossed*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even the arts and sports that have been commercialized still contain their stars.
Good story reminding us of what raw talent is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dawn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The young man’s inspiration is at least in part credited to the old man’s mentorship. This story rings of hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Susan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe this one kid will be enough to warm that cynical old heart. eh? Well written tale Iain
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’ll keep him going for now. Thanks Lynn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a teacher myself, I find myself surrounded more and more by a generation of young people that don’t believe they have to work hard for anything. I don’t think the youtubers and reality T.V stars help as they make everything seem to come too easily. It’s like the young people just wait for something to happen, when we know the reality is, it probably won’t. But then you get those that know the worth of the hard work and relish in it, improving before your very eyes – and succeeding at the end of it. Those are the ones that make the slog worth it! Very well told as always, Iain 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good that the teachers can still be inspired by a few pupils too. Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Well Iain, I see what you mean about a taking a similar tack, but I think I prefer yours. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very kind to say so, but there’s every chance it will still end the same way as yours did 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s hard to make boxing sentimental, but you managed it. A heart-warming little number.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah Ann.
LikeLike
The rheumy eyes – a great touch speaking volumes. Knockout!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Patrick 🙂
LikeLike
I think the kid in your story could teach Rudy in mine a few things!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds exciting for this guy, to see a reminder of his own youth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, making him feel young again. Thanks Mandi 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person