Scat trembled in the center of the ring; fists raised more out of fear than readiness. The gym echoed with the goon’s cruel and loud insults.  He wanted the boy to strike first. But Scat was afraid, he shuffled left, then right, his heart pounding as he tried to stay out of reach. When the goon finally lunged, Scat ducked and moved to the far side of the ring. Scat scanned the gym as he moved, eyes darting to the doors, the rafters, even the shadows where the other goons watched and jeered. Somewhere in his mind, he searched for a way out, a gap in the crowd, a loose board in the floor, anything. But there was no escape.