Playground

The crowd of shouting children formed a ring around the combatants. Jean-Luc – Jon – faced down against Martin Collins, scourge of the playground. Two minutes later, it was over; Martin was short two teeth, Jon had a week’s suspension, and the playground was safe again. Jon enjoyed tremendous acclaim for the weeks to come. So much so that he took it upon himself to organize the playground, keep it safe. It never occurred to him to wonder why so many children chose to rise against his benevolent rule, or why the ring of shouting faces so often cried his opponent’s name.