BELIEF

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”

neilmacdon

28/02/2018

I think that’s what all teachers live for. Well told, Iain

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you Neil
  
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James

28/02/2018

We all need a reminder of the glory days.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Especially in what appear to be darker times.
  
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pensitivity101

28/02/2018

Once in a while that Special Someone walks through your door and renews your faith.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Absolutely.
  
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Viola Bleu

28/02/2018

Nice!!
Your characters are always so … REAL 👏🏼

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you so much Viola.
  
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rochellewisoff

28/02/2018

Dear Iain,

The kid is every teacher’s dream, isn’t he? Nicely done.

Shalom,

Rochelle

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  I think so and in this case it seems to be keeping the old timer going. Thanks Rochelle.
  
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J Hardy Carroll

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  I agree completely, although Rocky is probably more fun – especially the increasingly silly sequels 🙂
  
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sarahsouthwest

28/02/2018

Ah, there’s something romantic in this tale of grit and grime, cynical dreamer and dedicated boy.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Oh yes, despite his old age and world-weariness, he still believes in the dream. Thank you.
  
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k rawson

28/02/2018

Great take on the prompt, Iain. Cynicism goes down in the fourth round to Talent & Dedication.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Haha, indeed. Thank you 🙂
  
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Sandra

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  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.
  
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Edith M. Field

28/02/2018

It only takes one enthusiastic and committed individual to make the teacher/trainer’s efforts worthwhile! Great story, Iain.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you Edith
  
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Moon

28/02/2018

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!

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you Moon – we should all have a dream.
  
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Alice Audrey

28/02/2018

It was always entertainment. It just wasn’t always big money entertainment.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  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.
  
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granonine

28/02/2018

Heartwarming. Good one, Lain.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you.
  
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pennygadd51

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  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.
  
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Alicia Jamtaas

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you so much Alicia.
  
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Dale

28/02/2018

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…

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  I agree Dale, I rarely take an interest in Boxing, but it does make for great drama.
  
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EagleAye

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you, so glad you liked it. There are definitely merits to the discipline required for boxing, despite the brutality of it.
  
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OIKOS™-Redaktion

28/02/2018

Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you so much for the reblog.
  
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  1. OIKOS™-Redaktion
    
    01/03/2018
    
    Thank you too. My pleasure! Michael 😉
    
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jillyfunnell

28/02/2018

I love dancing hands, Iain. And he’s just what the cynical coach needs to bring back the faith and enthusiasm. Well told.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Thank you Jilly 🙂
  
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Sascha Darlington

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  28/02/2018
  
  Exactly that, thank you Sascha
  
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subroto

28/02/2018

Boxing not just about brute force

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subroto

28/02/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  Thank you so much. There is a positive side to a very brutal sport.
  
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anuragbakhshi

01/03/2018

Of course Rocky was real, at least for the kid, or it wouldn’t have inspired him to make something more of his life.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  There’s a little bit of us who all still believe in the story of Rocky, real or not.
  
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James McEwan

01/03/2018

Great positivity in this story with the determination to be the best. Wish the kid had a name.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  His name is Hope. Thanks James.
  
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draliman

01/03/2018

A reminder of his hey day perhaps? A kid with a chance at the big time anyway. Nice piece.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  You have it exactly. Thank you.
  
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Ann (bunnygirl)

01/03/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  I agree 100%. A shame when money comes to ruin that initial love.
  
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Laurie Bell

01/03/2018

Wow that’s dedication. Making his mentor proud I’d say.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  Thanks Laurie 🙂
  
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ahtdoucette

01/03/2018

A great nostalgia story that reminds of an age that seems long-gone.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  Thank you Anne
  
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Mike

01/03/2018

Some kids just have the right ability, you did not have to say any more, fine storytelling

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  01/03/2018
  
  Thanks Mike
  
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Jennie

02/03/2018

This is all heart and belief. I loved this story, Iain.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  02/03/2018
  
  Thank you so much Jennie
  
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  1. Jennie
    
    03/03/2018
    
    You’re welcome, Iain.
    
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plaridel

02/03/2018

every trainer dreams of meeting somebody like him. hopefully, he lives up to the expectation.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  02/03/2018
  
  I hope so, and not another disappointment.
  
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Jan Vanek

02/03/2018

A sweet story of hope. Thank goodness for the Jimmys of the world. Loved it!

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  02/03/2018
  
  Thank you so much Jan 🙂
  
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Inside the Mind of Isadora

02/03/2018

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 😎

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  02/03/2018
  
  You’re very welcome, thanks for reading and your kind comment 🙂
  
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rgayer55

02/03/2018

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.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  02/03/2018
  
  I appreciate your determination 🙂
  
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liz young

02/03/2018

I wonder if dancing hands will get anywhere with rheumy eyes? Good story.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  I think they could go far.
  
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Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

02/03/2018

I think that this is what every coach lives for… to find that talent.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  Absolutely. Thanks Bjorn.
  
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Vivian Zems

02/03/2018

A star in the making…it seems.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  If he sticks on the right path.
  
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  1. Vivian Zems
    
    04/03/2018
    
    *fingers crossed*
    
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Dawn M. Miller

02/03/2018

Even the arts and sports that have been commercialized still contain their stars.
Good story reminding us of what raw talent is.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  Thanks Dawn.
  
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Susan

03/03/2018

The young man’s inspiration is at least in part credited to the old man’s mentorship. This story rings of hope.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  Thank you Susan.
  
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Lynn Love

03/03/2018

Maybe this one kid will be enough to warm that cynical old heart. eh? Well written tale Iain

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  He’ll keep him going for now. Thanks Lynn.
  
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  1. Lynn Love
    
    04/03/2018
    
    My pleasure
    
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mumpoet

03/03/2018

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 🙂

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  03/03/2018
  
  It’s good that the teachers can still be inspired by a few pupils too. Thank you so much.
  
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jwdwrites

03/03/2018

Well Iain, I see what you mean about a taking a similar tack, but I think I prefer yours. 🙂

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  04/03/2018
  
  You’re very kind to say so, but there’s every chance it will still end the same way as yours did 🙂
  
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Sarah Ann

04/03/2018

It’s hard to make boxing sentimental, but you managed it. A heart-warming little number.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  04/03/2018
  
  Thank you Sarah Ann.
  
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patrickprinsloo

04/03/2018

The rheumy eyes – a great touch speaking volumes. Knockout!

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  04/03/2018
  
  Thank you Patrick 🙂
  
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The Reclining Gentleman

04/03/2018

I think the kid in your story could teach Rudy in mine a few things!

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  04/03/2018
  
  Absolutely 🙂
  
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mandibelle16

07/03/2018

Sounds exciting for this guy, to see a reminder of his own youth.

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1. Iain Kelly
  
  07/03/2018
  
  Absolutely, making him feel young again. Thanks Mandi 🙂
  
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  1. mandibelle16
    
    08/03/2018
    
    You’re welcome.
    
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