Jun Bae

*The dojo was silent except for the sharp crack of my strikes, each punch and kick driving into the heavy bag with fierce precision. Sweat clung to my brow as strands of my hair slipped loose from my braid, but I ignore them. My purple eyes flickering with focus. I reached deep within myself, twisting my focus until they burned hotter, matching the frustration pounding in my chest, and my movements grew sharper and faster. With a final cry, I punctured the bag with my fist, the echo ringing in the empty space before silence rushed back in. Breathing hard, I stared at the space between my feet, then brushed damp hair from my face and let my hand linger on my neck, the fire inside me dimming to leave only exhaustion. Lowering myself cross-legged onto the mat, my gaze drifted to the small notebook resting nearby unopened and waiting while I closed my eyes and drew in a slow breath, the broken bag a reminder that my battles were as much within as against any opponent.*