It was the afternoon before the fight. Jim was still at home.
"I know this isn't what you wanted," he said softly to Mae. "But
I can't win if you don't support me."
Mae put the pile of clean clothes down and stepped up to her
husband. "I always support you," she whispered.
While their parents were kissing, the three children took their
chance to run out of the apartment. They walked through the
small crowd that stood outside the building. Soon they stood again
in the butcher shop.
"What can I do for you today?" Sam, the butcher, asked.
"My dad's fighting a man who beat him badly once before,"
said Rosy anxiously. "What kind of steaks do you have?"
Down the block, Jim stepped out of the apartment house and
was met by a small crowd of neighbors.
"We're all supporting you," said an old man.
"Take him down, Jim!" cried another.