MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat
Chapter 50: Chapter 50: A Simple Meal

Aoife stood at the small stove, expertly cooking the steak on the one working plate.

The sizzling sound filled the room, accompanied by a savory aroma that made their mouths water.

Damon watched as his mom worked, the smell of cooking meat and spices filling the air.

The rice, cooked earlier, sat in a separate pot, its fluffy texture a testament to Aoife's culinary skills.

Damon had helped with the simple tasks, like washing the rice and stirring it occasionally.

As they worked, the motel room's worn carpet and faded curtains seemed less noticeable.

The room was filled with the smell of cooking meat and steaming rice, teasing their taste buds and building their anticipation.

Finally, Aoife placed the finished steak on a plate, alongside the cooked rice.

Aoife took the plate and walked towards Damon.

Damon looked up at his mother in confusion, wondering why she was staring at him like that. He took the plate from her, his hands wrapping around the warm plate. He grabbed the spoon.

As he scooped up the first bite, he was about to put it to his mouth when he looked up. He saw his mother staring at him, a smile spreading across her face.

Aoife saw Damon stop, his spoon hovering in mid-air, and urged him on. "Come on, eat up," she said, her voice soft and encouraging.

Damon shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He went back to eating, his spoon moving towards his mouth.

He took the first bite, the tender steak touching his tongue. The flavors exploded in his mouth, the savory taste of the meat and the slight char from the pan.

He chewed slowly, savoring the taste. It was nothing he had ever tasted before. The steak was tender, the texture melting in his mouth.

He swallowed, his eyes widening in surprise. He took another bite, the flavors dancing on his tongue.

The steak was cooked to perfection, the outside slightly crispy, the inside juicy and tender. The rice was fluffy, the grains separate and soft.

"Is it good?" Aoife asked, her warm smile spreading across her face. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, and her voice was filled with a gentle eagerness.

Damon laughed at his mother's antics, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, it's delicious, mom," he said, his voice teasing. "Come on eat your food before it becomes cold."

As he spoke, he gestured to the plate in front of her, the steaming rice and perfectly cooked steak inviting. The aroma of the food wafted up, savory and enticing.

Deep down, Damon understood his mother's eagerness. Although he had been young when they left Ireland to escape his father's abuse, he remembered her passion for cooking.

He recalled how she would spend hours in the kitchen, her face flushed with happiness, as she prepared meals for their family.

He remembered how she would beam with pride when people ate her food, her eyes shining with a sense of satisfaction.

It was as if cooking brought her joy, and sharing that joy with others made it even more special.

But he also remembered how her smile faded, replaced by a look of fear and pain, when Taro put his hands on her.

The man wasn't even worth calling father. Damon's grip on his spoon tightened as he recalled the sound of her cries, muffled but still audible, even as she continued cooking.

Her eyes would well up with tears, but she never stopped, never faltered, as if cooking was her escape.

But now, since he'd started fighting, training in MMA, Damon couldn't help but wish he had the scum in front of him.

He'd bash his face a thousand times on the concrete, watch his blood splatter, and feel a twisted sense of satisfaction. The thought made his jaw clench, his eyes narrowing.

"Damon, are you okay?" Aoife asked, concern etched on her face. She saw Damon's spoon hovering above his plate, his food untouched. She stretched out her hand, reaching for his arm.

Damon hid his tension with a forced smile, "No, it's fine, I'm just thinking about my training." He lied, the words coming easier now. He looked down, avoiding her gaze.

Aoife nodded, her expression softening. "You and your training, I should lock you in here," she joked, trying to lighten the mood. Her voice was warm, teasing, and it worked.

Damon laughed, the sound genuine, his tension easing. He took another bite of his food, the flavors dancing on his tongue, but his mind still lingered on the past, on the memories he wished he could erase.

As they continued their dinner, enjoying each other's company, they chatted and laughed, savoring the warmth of the moment.

The room was cozy. They finished dinner, satisfied and content.

After dinner, they cleaned up, the room growing hotter without air conditioning.

They took turns taking a shower, the single shower in the motel room a reminder of their simple circumstances.

The water was warm, refreshing, and soothing, washing away the fatigue of the day.

With that done, they each got into their single beds, the beds creaking softly as they settled in. "Good night, mom," Damon said, his voice gentle, closing his eyes. His eyelids felt heavy, his body relaxed.

"Good night," she replied, her voice sounded tired, but peaceful. Her words were soft, barely above a whisper, as if she didn't want to break the tranquility of the moment.

The night fell, the moon shining brightly outside, casting a silver glow through the window.

The room grew darker, the shadows deepening, but the atmosphere remained calm and serene.

A lot of people don't get what they want, but a lot do. Life is unpredictable, and the future is uncertain. No one can claim to know what's going to happen next.

Damon's desire to meet his father is strong, but will it happen? Maybe it will, maybe it won't. Maybe they'll meet and Damon will finally get the answers he's been searching for.

But the real question isn't about when or how they'll meet. It's not even about why Damon wants to meet him. The real question is about courage.

Will Damon have the guts to do what he wants to do? Will he be brave enough to face his father and confront the emotions he's been carrying around for so long?