Chloe smiled, a small weight lifting off her chest. "It's not about the wins or losses," she said. "It's about the journey. MMA taught me how to fight, but it also taught me how to live. I don't think I'd be me without it."
Sara raised her glass. "To Chloe, the fighter in every sense of the word."
The group cheered, and Chloe felt a warmth spread through her. She'd fought so hard for this—acceptance, understanding—and now it was hers.
The next day, Chloe returned to Vince's gym. The familiar scent of sweat and worn leather greeted her as she stepped inside. Fighters were hard at work, their focus and determination filling the space.
Vince spotted her from across the room and approached, his expression a mix of pride and amusement. "Look who finally decided to show her face. You think you can just walk in here like a hero?"
Chloe laughed. "Technically, I did just win the biggest fight of my comeback."
