Confident.
Twenty-six years old.
A professional boxer with a growing reputation.
His posters covered the walls.
His fights attracted crowds.
His social media videos received millions of views.
Adrian loved being admired.
But he loved something else even more.
Making people feel smaller.
During training sessions, Adrian always needed an audience.
After defeating another boxer one afternoon, he removed his gloves and smiled.
"Nobody here can challenge me."
The room laughed.
Some because they agreed.
Others because they wanted to stay on his good side.
Adrian enjoyed it.
He liked knowing everyone watched him.
Then his eyes moved toward Samuel.
The old man was cleaning near the ring.
Adrian smiled.
"What about him?"
The room became quiet.
Then people laughed.
"The janitor?"
Adrian nodded.
"Why not?"
Samuel didn't react.
He continued cleaning.
That annoyed Adrian.
Because most people responded.
They laughed.
They defended themselves.
They got embarrassed.
Samuel did nothing.
Adrian jumped down from the ring.
"Hey, Samuel."
The old man looked up.
"Yes?"
"Ever boxed before?"
Samuel smiled slightly.
"A long time ago."
The room laughed.
Adrian grinned.