As the manager bent to tie up his boxing shoes, Jim smiled. "We
both know what this is, Joe. It's a chance for me to earn some
money for my family. And it's a chance to say goodbye to boxing
in a big fight in front of a big crowd."
Suddenly, there was a loud noise from Jim's stomach.
"What was that?" cried Joe.
"We got to the soup line too late this morning," said Jim. "The
food was all gone."
Joe jumped to his feet. "How are you going to fight with an
empty stomach?" he shouted. He ran from the room and appeared
a few minutes later with a bowl of thick meat soup in his hand.
"Eat fast," he said.
"Where's the spoon?" asked Jim. He began to put one hand
into the bowl.
"Stop!" cried Joe. "I don't have time to tape your hands again.
I'll find a spoon!"
Joe rushed out again, but Jim couldn't wait. He pushed his face
into the bowl and began eating. He didn't notice the changing
room door opening.