After showing the video recorded by fighter Frank, the special show showed several photos and recordings of Ares and Nathaniel in childhood. Among them, there was a card with a photo wishing happy father's day.
1995 - United States
The gym was operating as usual, many customers eager to have lessons with the two-time boxing champion lined up to enter. Since Ares began to draw attention by his blows and — in a way — beautiful appearance, all the fighters of that academy got used to see that busy place.
And that's why there was a rule among the old fighters: do not leave Nathaniel alone.
The older fighters took turns to help Ares take care of the boy. Of course the father did most of the work, but he always had to answer calls, attend last minute meetings and things like that. Although if it was possible, Ares would take his son along, since they could have ice cream together on the way.
That day was just one of many. Ares took a short break during boxing class and went up the steel stairs to take a look at his son. He stopped in front of the door, which had a glass window, and looked inside realizing that Nathaniel and Frank had dragged the furniture from the manager's office and were rehearsing a choreography.
Ares had a low laugh with the clumsy way of the two of them dancing, but he knew well what it was. So he did not spy beyond that, since it should be a surprise to him.
— Ares, come here, boy.
The manager called him and Ares immediately followed him to the small meeting room across the hall.
— Have they stolen your room again?
— Frank has been asking me to use the room all week.
Ares muffled the laughter, he knew well that the manager rejected Frank's requests categorically. But when a little five-year-old boy held his hand and asked with those bright little eyes... He let them use his office.
It was a low blow from the insightful Frank.
— What did you want to talk about?
— Your next fight, I just got a call from that snack chain, you know the clown.
Ares was slightly surprised. His manager had been trying to negotiate with a big brand for months. And he had the brilliant idea to look for snack bar brands and restaurants that could sell their snacks to fans while they watch Ares fights.
The problem until then was that there was another fighter from another agency also calling attention, making brands have to decide who to sponsor. The manager had great problems to get a meeting.
— Will they watch my next fight?
— That's right. A colleague of mine warned me that the people in the office of that brand are very strict when it comes to choosing where to put their money. So you better train well and show them your ability.
Ares crossed his arms and thought a little. Well, he would have to train anyway.
— Okay, and when is the next fight?
— This Friday night.
The fighter widened his eyes and got up from the couch in a leap. That couldn't be happening... That is, there have been several conflicts of agenda, but...
— What?! This Friday?? But it's the day I need to go to Niel's school.
The manager crossed his arms and sighed heavily. His sharp eyes went to the fighter, who did not let himself be shaken.
— Are you looking to lose a sponsorship to go and watch a child's performance?
— From my son!!! It's the presentation of parents' days! Nath went to school this year, and he has been rehearsing for weeks.
— You can see the presentation next year, boy.
— No, no, no! Wait there, there is no way. You know how much Nath is anxious for me to go and see him perform at school. And also, it's the first time I get a gift as his dad. I mean, you understand me, right?
— I'm not so cold, boy, you know I have children too. So I'm saying it's okay to miss this year, because there are other opportunities. But we're talking about work.
— And what guarantees that there will not be other sponsors in the future as well?
The manager sighed heavily, seeming to contain his words. Ares was still young, and a devoted father. So dedicated that he was sometimes stubborn and inflexible. Well, that was some of the times.
So, the manager softened his expression and stood up too, touching the fighter's shoulder.
— Ares, this fight is not just to boost your career in the rings. You will earn more money to support your child. You're not saving money to buy a house and get out of this gym?
— I am, but I promised the boy that I would watch his performance. I don't want to break the promise with him.
— If you explain to the kid, he will understand. Your son is smart.
Ares felt his world crumble. Since Nathaniel began to go to the school was talked about presentations. On Mother's Day they were lucky that Arabella was there to watch the performance, since Ares had a fight and could not attend. It was a relief that Nathaniel had fun, since he was also playing with his little brother.
But now it was different.
It was a presentation for him.
Because he is Nathaniel's father.
Of course Ares wanted to go to the performance. He had already prepared Frank's record camera to take.
That conversation was a nice bucket of cold water for Ares.
Later, while giving the training to the group of students, he felt the weight of a look. Raising his head to the second floor, he saw in the window those small pairs of light-brown eyes peeking at him and a cheeky smile on the boy's face.
Nathaniel always spied on him, but he was obedient and did not leave the second floor until Ares picked him up.
The wrestler's chest tightened to imagine that Nathaniel would not smile that way when he knew he could not go to his presentation. He was a child after all, of course he would be upset that his father could not fulfill his promise.
And he also wanted to see.
When Friday arrived, before leaving the gym, Ares pulled Frank by the shoulder.
— Do me a favor?
— It's up, boss.
— Could you go to Nath's presentation?
Frank looked at him confused.
— Huh? Why should I go to the presentation in honor of Father's Day when I'm not even a father?
— I want to have someone there to cheer Nath up until I arrive.
— Ah, so it's just until you get.... Wait, what?! You're not going to fight?
Ares opened a playful smile and slapped Frank on the shoulder, then left the gym. He was confident that his friend would have understood his intention by now.
He would ensure both the sponsorship and memory of his son's first performance.
Ares watched his opponent and let the air out of his lungs, keeping awareness about the fight. He deflected a blow and delivered another to his stomach, starting a series of punches while deftly deflecting his opponent. His arms were throbbing, but he needed to ensure his victory.
At that moment he was in a tremendous disadvantage for being distracted for a moment when he heard a familiar voice nearby. The punch of his opponent hit his jaw, throwing him on the ground bewildered for a few seconds.
With the roaring screams of his coach, Ares got up quickly, despite being a bit dizzy. But he raised his fists and tried to concentrate to win.
His opponent moved from one side to another trying to confuse Ares, his arms passed unnoticed at his side, such is the agility of the opponent in moving. Ares paid attention to wider and harder points for him to move, thus hitting his belly making him bend over and this time hit his jaw knocking him down successfully.
The bell rang ending the fight that night, and Ares raised his arms receiving his fans' applause and cheers.
Looking towards where he heard that familiar voice, Ares found the face of one of his training colleagues pointing at the watch. Quickly he jumped out of the ring and went to the dressing room to change. His face was still swollen and sore, however did not prevent him from changing as soon.
A few minutes later he left the locker room and came across his agent, coach and some more people, some unknown. By the way your agent talked lively and the woman dressed elegant, she should be the representative of that restaurant.
— There he is! Come here, Ares. This is Mrs Leroy, representing McD...
— It's a pleasure to meet you, lady Leroy, I'm Ares — The fighter shook her hand in a hurry and smiled — Forgive me for the rudeness, but could we talk another time? I need to leave right now or else I'll be late.
— Ares! — The agent drew the fighter's attention.
The woman, in turn, smiled and shook the hand of the fighter.
— Now, what could be so urgent for you?
— I want to see my son's Father's Day performance, so...
The woman opened a wide smile and smoothed her expression.
— In that case, go. How about bringing your child to eat after the performance?
Ares just agreed and waved to everyone before running off. He also did not imagine that his honest answer and the clear urgency of going to see a presentation of Father's Day was enough for Mrs Leroy to choose him to sponsor, being business companions until his death.
Ares got into the car with his fighting partner, Michael, whom he had arranged to meet after the fight. He ran into the street and drove as fast as was allowed, but he also paid attention to Ares.
— Take my sweatshirt from the back seat, and wear it.
— Huh? Ah, yeah.
Ares turned to the back seat taking his shirt and wearing it. He was hot and sweaty, barely had time to dress properly to go to his son's school. But the urgency spoke louder.
To make matters worse, there was some traffic accident that made the two take a few more minutes. Ares was already impatient, looking from side to side clapping his fingers on his knee. While they were standing in the street, Michel took the cap off his head to put on Ares and still put the hood on top.
— You'll scare the kids with that puffy face. Besides, you're famous now. Avoid drawing attention unnecessarily.
Ares left a small thank you, and soon Michel was able to continue driving down the street until he arrived in front of the school.
The movement was immense and Ares managed to enter without problems to be recognized by an employee. The presentation of the parents' day took place in the courtyard of the school, which was all decorated.
Ares got into the crowd until he could fill up Frank and the other guys who were recording the performance. Nathaniel's class had just started, and the little reddish-haired boy was not dancing with his friends.
— Come on, Nath! — Frank cheered, but the kid was still sad.
As soon as Ares reached Frank's side, he waved to the boy and smiled wide when his eyes finally met.
Nathaniel's light brown eyes shone and came alive when he saw Ares there, and he quickly, and all confused, began to dance along with his colleagues. It's okay that he was dismayed, but Ares felt his heart beat faster to see his son trying so hard to honor him.
Nathaniel was very cute! And now that he was the joy in person, it became even more adorable!
At the end of the performance the children went to their parents, and Nathaniel ran away. Ares just crouched extending his arms and hugging the little boy who jumped on his neck. Even though he felt pain from the fight, he did not complain. He just hugged tight.
The little boy then handed him the white flower and smiled cheerfully to the fighter.
— Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!
At that moment, Ares accepted the flower and smiled sweetly starting to cry. Stroking Nathaniel's head, even though he cried with joy with all swollen face, he felt the happiest person in the world.
— Thank you, my champion.
That night was closed when father and son enjoyed the feast of father's day, and when they returned home, Nathaniel wanted to spoil his father for his day and for having fulfilled the promise. Forced Ares to shower, put on pajamas, and even asked for help from Frank to warm milk in the tiger mug to give to his father.
When the stars shone in the sky and the gentle breeze entered the room, Ares was sitting on the bed holding the tiger mug, while Nathaniel was sitting on his lap rubbing ointment on his wounds.
That day was unforgettable for him.