Pain Never Lies

“How did it feel to take someone else's red chip?” Lin sat upright. A second message followed. “Equivalent exchange is comfort for the weak. See you in the playoffs. I'll teach you what a real trade is.” It was signed with one word: Gu. The television showed an interview from another stadium. Imperial Falcons star shortstop Gu Chen stood amid camera flashes after a two-homer game. He looked into the lens as if he could see Lin in the hospital room. Behind him, a defeated opponent leaned on his knees. A thread invisible to everyone else drew blue focus out of the man. A black mark curled around Gu Chen's wrist.