The butcher attacked. She dodged, turned the body and sent a hook up her ribs. The sound of the bone giving way echoed. The man fell to his knees, unable to breathe.
Every day, Benedita trained for five hours, then returned to work at the fazenda to keep up appearances. The months passed. His body strengthened, his movements became clearer, his posture more secure.
In September, three months before the tournament, Joaquim decided to test it. He stood in front of her for a simulation.
She knocked him to the ground in ten seconds.
Joaquim got up laughing, despite the blood in his mouth, and told him she was ready
The December tournament
The tournament took place the first week of December. Baron de Araújo’s quinta was decorated as if for a party: colorful lanterns, garnished tables, live music. In the center, a wooden ring attracted all eyes.
