Max was excited like he was every time there was a fight. But tonight was a big one. He sat at the breakfast table with his uncle Marvin and aunt Deborah. Then the phone rang and Marvin got up to answer it.

"I see, well thank you. Yes, I'll tell him." Marvin said.

Marvin then hung up the phone and looked at Max. "Looks like you'll have to forfeit the fight tonight son."

"What why?"

"Charlie has the flu and can't make it tonight."

"What?"

"Charlie's sick son. He says he's sorry."

Max begged to go see Charlie. Deborah was reluctant but eventually took him over to Charlie's. Max walked into the gym and spotted Bailey. "Bailey?"

"Hey Max. What brings you here?"

"Where's Charlie?"

"In bed upstairs. He may not be awake. But you can go on up. I'm sure you'll perk him up."

Max went upstairs to Charlie's room. Charlie was awake looking at a magazine slightly in the sitting up position.

"Charlie?" Max said.

Charlie looked up. "What are you doing here Max?" Charlie said hoarsely.

"Just came to check on you. Marvin said you had the flu."

"I do."

"But we have a fight tonight."

"We're just have to forfeit. There isn't much a chance I'll be able to attend. This flu has really taken a lot out of me."

"Charlie, we can't forfeit. I can do it. I've watched you enough. I know what to do."

"No, watching is different than giving commands. I don't think you're ready."

"I am. Please let me do this."

Charlie broke into a harsh coughing fit. He shook his head since he was unable to talk.

"Charlie, I can do this. I can."

Bailey came in just then with a cup of tea. "Let him do it Charlie. You know he'll be fine."

Max smiled. "Thanks Bailey."

"Who's side are you on?" Charlie asked hoarsely.

Bailey just smiled and gave him the tea then left.

"Charlie, I've done it before. I can't forfeit tonight."

"You're one stubborn kid. You know that?"

"Mom always said I must have gotten it from you."

Charlie half laughed half coughed. "Fine. You win. Good luck."

"Thanks Charlie."

Max ended up losing. He realized that he really did need Charlie. Charlie was the best at fighting that he had seen. It was rare that Charlie lost. Maybe Charlie had been right. Maybe forfeiting would have been better.

Max vowed to let Charlie fight from then on. He couldn't wait for Charlie to get better so they could fight together.

End