Lawrence Hwang

At 24 years old, Manny sets foot in the United States for the first time. This short story recounts a pivotal moment when Manny walked into Wildcard Boxing Gym and met legendary trainer Freddie Roach. It marks the beginning of their iconic partnership and chronicles Manny's journey from an unknown fighter to one of boxing's all-time greats.

Noah, a dashing, distinguished professor, is left with only his dog when his wife unexpectedly dies. After finding a flyer for a yoga studio, he goes on a whim and meets April, who works the front desk with her homemade "healthy" cookies. April has her own troubles, dealing with her sick father and struggling as an artist, but something clicks for both of them. A book is exchanged, sparks become embers, and embers become flames. What Noah doesn't know is that the yoga flyer that brought him to April has a note on the back