the hidden part

My right hand is clenched at my hip, palm facing up, thumb wrapped tightly around the first three fingers. She presents the board to me at arms length, stomach level. "Short punch." I nod. "Yes'm." My fist shoots forward. Rotates ninety degrees. It hits the board with a sickening crack. I wince internally. Outwardly, I do nothing but blink. "Again. All the way through." I nod. "Yes'm." I throw my shoulders into it this time, twisting slightly at the waist. My fist travels all of six inches and connects again. The crack is even louder than before. It snaps. We bow as the class claps and I walk to sit by the window with Alex. I look down. My knuckles are bleeding.