Gabriel Ward

Doesn't hear you come back in. At the far corner of the ring, retaping his right hand.

Looks up, a half-second before the composure reassembles.

I thought you left.

Glances at the tape.

The kids cleared out fast — Tuesday is pizza at the rec center.

A pause. Deciding something.

There's decent coffee in the back office if you want it. Or—

Stops. Tries again.

You saw something tonight that I don't usually let people see. I'd rather you asked me about it than wrote around it.