BEFORE WE DIE

As I sit atop my sleek black bike, the thrum of adrenaline coursing through my veins is almost deafening. The roar of engines surrounds me, the air thick with the cheers of competition. My heart pounds against my ribcage, a wild rhythm echoing the anticipation the swirls within me. I take a deep breath, the cool night air filling my lungs as I try to steady my racing thoughts. This isn’t just any race—it’s a showdown, a clash of will and power. And I refuse to let the nerves get the best of me.

Glancing around, I lock my eyes with my opponent, Mario. His face masked by determination and the faint glint of rivalry. He is a formidable force in his own right, but he will not deter me from my own goal. With a silent exchange of look, we acknowledge the challenge ahead, a silent pact sealed in the revving of engines. I focus my attention back to the asphalt beneath me, the dark expanse stretching out like a canvas. My hand rest on the clutch, fingers tightening around the familiar drip as I prepare to unleash the raw power beneath me.

With a steady hand, I shift into first gear, the engine growling in response. But still, the bike remains motionless, a silent sentinel waiting for its cue. I grit my teeth, willing the machine to obey, to heed my command and propel me forward into the fray. As I wait, a surge of determination flood through my veins, drowning out the doubts and fears that threaten to consume me. I reach for my helmet, fingers brushing against the cool surface as I lower the visor, shielding my gaze from the outside world.

In that exact moment, everything fades away—the crowd, lights, the weight of expectation pressing down upon me. All that matter is the road ahead, the bliss of victory beckoning me forward like a siren’s call. And then, finally, it begins. The signal is given, a gunshot shattering the stillness of the night, and we’re off. The engines roar to life, a cacophony as we tear down the asphalt, both of us vying for that elusive taste of triumph.

I lean into the curves, the wind whipping against my skin as I navigate the twists and turns with precision and grace. The rush of adrenaline is intoxicating, fueling my every move as I push to the limit, determined to emerge victorious.

As I rode past Mario, his curses echoed through the air like sharp bullets, but I merely smiled, relishing in the satisfaction of leaving him behind. Leaning into the next corner, I felt the cool rush of the wind against my helmet, a reminder of the freedom and power that came with every twist and turn of the race. As I rounded yet another corner, the roar of the crowd grew louder, their cheers pushing me forward with an adrenaline-fueled momentum. Shifting into fourth gear, I could sense the bike responding eagerly, its engine humming in harmony with determination. With each passing moment, the speed increased, matching the intensity of my heartbeat.

But amid the exhilaration, I couldn’t shake the awareness of Mario’s presence, a rival determined to challenge my lead. Cursing under my breath, I push the bike harder, urging to go faster, to outrun him and secure my victory. The finish line loomed ahead, a beacon of triumph surrounded by a sea of eager spectators. With one final turn I gritted my teeth and focused all my energy on navigating the difficult corner with precision and speed.

Yet, as I leaned into the curve, I heard the unmistakable sound of Mario’s bike drawing dangerously close. Panic surged through me, threatening to consume my resolve, but I refused to let him snatch victory from my grasp. Summoning every ounce of strength and determination, I pushed the bike to its limits, the engine roaring in protest as I surged forward with reckless abandon. The finish line was within reach, tantalizing close, and I refused to let anything stand in my way.

As I crossed the finish line, the cheers of the crowd engulfed me like a tidal wave of triumph. I had won, emerging victorious against all odds, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. Breathless and exhilarated, I basked in the glow of hard—earned victory, the taste of success sweeter than I could ever imagined. As I glanced back at Mario approaching me, his defeated expression only fueled my satisfaction, a testament to the strength and resilience of a woman who refused to be underestimated.

As Mario approached me, I could see the storm brewing through his eyes, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. He had just lost the race, and it was evident that his pride has taken a severe blow. I couldn’t help but grin, knowing that my presence was adding salt to his freshly opened wound. But before I could even blink, his hand shot out, grabbing my collar with a fierce grip. Shock coursed through me as his fist connected with my face, the sharp pain of his punch piercing my lip. Blood filled my mouth, the metallic taste causing me to instinctively wipe my face with the back of my hand.

Around us, my guards and friends tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. I glanced up at Mario, defiance burning in my gaze despite the pain throbbing through my lip. Without a second thought, I swung my leg up, aiming for the most vulnerable spot I could find. My foot connected with precision, striking him square in the balls. A pained groan escaped his lips as he doubled over, clutching his injured area. The crowd us stood frozen in shock, the tense palpable in the air.

But the stillness didn’t last longer. One of Mario’s gang members lunged towards me, fury etched across his face. Instinct took over as I swiftly grabbed his outstretched hand, twisting it behind his back with practiced ease. The satisfying sound of his bone cracking against bone, and his pained cry filled the air as I maintained my grip, keeping him subdued.

Before I knew it, the chaos erupted around us. The once peaceful gathering devolved into a chaotic brawl, with my gang members and Mario’s allies clashing violently. Fists flew, and shouts filled the air as the two factions collided in a whirlwind of aggression. Amidst the chaos, I found myself facing off against several of Mario’s men. Adrenaline surged through my veins as I fought every ounce of strength I possessed. Blow after blow, I met their attacks head—on, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.