Adventures of Pudge

FISTICUFFS

Pudge had never been in a real fight before. He had been involved in a couple of pushing and shoving matches at

school, and once or twice a few punches had been thrown when tempers flared during a hockey game. But this one was for

real. The other boy had landed a few punches high on Pudge’s face; Pudge would have a few bruises to show for those.

After those first punches Pudge realized his opponent didn’t really know how to fight. Not only that, he was slower than

Pudge and wilder with his swings. When Pudge became aware of this he started sidestepping the punches thrown at him

and landing stinging punches of his own. Soon the other boy’s nose was bleeding freely. Pudge landed two hard punches

on the boy’s eyes and then doubled him up with a blow to his stomach. This was enough; the boy backed off, gasping for

breath. Pudge took a step forward ready to throw one more good punch but his adversary ad had enough. He threw his

hands in the air again and mumbled, “I quit, you win. Don’t hit me any more.

Pudge hopped on his bike and headed for home. How was he going to explain this to his dad? It would be obvious he

had been in a fight. His face was swollen, his lip was cut and it felt like one of his hands was swollen also.

When he arrived home his father was just getting home from work. Mr. Hammond took one look at Pudge and knew

immediately what had happened.

“It wasn’t my fault,” exclaimed Pudge. “I was riding my bike in Porcupine Alley when this guy came around the corner

real fast and ran into me.. He said it was my fault and started throwing punches. I had to defend myself. I whipped his butt,

too.”

To Pudge’s surprise his dad responded, “It’s okay, Pudge, I accept your explanation. There are some situations you

can’t avoid. You’d better go in and put some ice on those bruises; they’re going to be very colorful tomorrow.” Then he

added, “I’m glad you whipped his butt.”