Post by davidberg47 on Sept 22, 2021 8:29:24 GMT -5
(Scene opens as the King of the Streets, David Berg, is walking down a street, wearing a plain gray sleeveless shirt, black shorts and white sneakers. He walks up to a sort of run down building with a sign of Top Tier Boxing in black behind a gray and white background. The "B" is faded while the "x" is hanging side ways. The sign could certainly use some TLC. Berg walks in and immediately is hit by a combination of AC air and a usually musty gym smell. It is a sizeable open space with a few people hitting the heavy bag. There are three rings, but all three are empty. Large ceiling fans swirl making a tiny humming noise. The gym is quiet with the persons working out seemingly concentrating on their craft. The desk is momentarily empty until an older man appears. The man has to be in his late 70s at best. He is tan, wrinkled and stands maybe 5'10. The man has a full thick head of white curly hair which sits upon his clean shaven face.
Man: Ah....Mr. Berg. Shalom
Berg: Mr. Rosenstein?
Man: Yes, yes. I am Harold Rosenstein. I am the owner of this fine establishment. Please please come to my office.
(Berg and Rosenstein walk up a flight of stairs and for an old man, he walks briskly. Inside the office one can observe photos of various boxers from various time periods. Rosenstein sits behind a large mahogany desk with papers scattered all around and Berg just stands looking at the pictures on the wall)
Rosenstein: Yes, yes, these are old. From my fighting days. And you see many people you may recognize like Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.
Berg: You used to compete.
Rosenstein: Yes, yes. Many years ago. Now I run this fine establishment. Tell me something young man. You are tall for a Jew, eh?
Berg: Seems so.
Rosenstein: I was told by the embassy to help you but then they told me that you are competing in a federation based in Las Vegas and it is wrestling.
Berg: Yes
Rosenstein: Then why would you pick Florida to live in?
Berg: Vegas is not a place to live just to visit. Plus the shows go to multiple locations and competitions are bi weekly so living here is fine. Travel is relatively inexpensive and I know that Florida doesn't have these annoying mask requirements.
Rosenstein: Not scared of the virus are you? You are a very young man.
Berg: The Embassy told me...
Rosenstein: The Embassy just will not leave me alone. Over 60 years of service and here I still am. I guess where there are so few of us left....anyway. They told me where you are staying. Surely the stipend the Gov't is giving you, a person such as yourself can do better?
Berg: It is fine. I am here to accomplish the goal at hand.
Rosenstein: Yes, yes...spread the good word. You are our modern day Messiah, I am told. But Wrestling. This wrestling. Tough for me to understand the global appeal. The sport barely has any rules, it is violent, vulgar. I guess there lies the appeal.
Berg: Seems so
Rosenstein: Our country is watching you David. Are you prepared for your match? You are facing a live one it seems. A nearly 7'0 powerhouse.
Berg: People keep saying that.
Rosenstein: You do not seem overly concerned.
Berg: I am always concerned. I know the country is watching. My people are watching. However, people see giants and believe them to be superior in strength. That is not always the case. Not always the case at all.
Rosenstein: Young man, I know. I know full well. Look, I have to go back down stairs but here is a key. You may use the gym whenever you like. 24/7. It may not look like much but the A/C works, the hot tub is new, the sauna works and the showers are always clean and have hot water.
Berg: I appreciate it Mr. Rosenstein.
Rosenstein: Lastly, please do not hurt any of the members. You special forces trained people are not what they are used to.
Berg: Of course
Rosenstein: I cannot believe how tall you are for a Jew.
Berg: Why do people keep saying that?
Rosenstein: Because it is true. And here I thought I was tall for a Jew.
(Berg and Rosenstein share a slight smirk and a laugh as they walk back down the stairs)
Rosenstein: You know David, I like you. I do not know if I could do what you are doing at the age of 22.
Berg: I appreciate it.
(Rosenstein gives Berg a card)
Berg: What is this?
Rosenstein: Go to this address and ask for Mrs. Fishman. She owns a fresh food mart. Tell her I sent you. Nutrition is critical and she will prepare the meals for you as you begin your training. You see the weights over there, the stretch area, heavy bags, rings. They are all for you to use. No go make us proud.
(Berg nods and walks off to the locker room area. He passes by two young black men who giggle and ask him to hit the heavy bag near them. In one motion Berg spins around and unleashes a spin kick that connects with the bags and sends it flying off the chain. The back men are flabbergasted and Rosentein shakes his head as the scene fades to black)