6.

¶

5.

And we ran with it.

4.

Everything ran together in those first few minutes.

3.

There wasn't much of one after; three straight sets of rallies, volleys, and hard-served shots to the nicks left us panting, pitiable; and then, of course, the blood.

2.

You'd think a grudge match on a squash court would be a private affair, but we had something of a reputation.

1.

No fewer than twelve watched as we were beaten.