Fight like a girl

— Are you serious, girl?! — The coach’s voice was cold, but there was a barely noticeable hint of mockery in it, as if watching her pitiful attempts was just amusing to him.

Sophie pursed her lips in frustration and clenched her teeth. It was still strange — seeing herself in the mirror, feeling every breath through a female chest, and constantly struggling with the long strands of hair that kept getting in the way. Just a week ago, he had been a sturdy guy, the best in the gym, who had come for his regular training session, when suddenly, for some unknown reason, he had turned into... Sophie!

— I’m not a girl, damn it! — she hissed, stepping forward, raising her blue gloves, and taking up an offensive stance.

— Oh, really? — He lazily shook his head, as if trying to stifle a laugh. — Don’t you think it sounds ridiculous now? You even put on earrings, for god’s sake. Don’t tell me again that it was—

— An accident, — Sophie interrupted, lunging forward and throwing a couple of quick jabs. Her punches were sharp and fast, but it seemed as if the coach didn’t even notice them. Her chest bounced with each move. “Damn female body!” she cursed inwardly, feeling sweat trickle down her neck and soak the collar.

— Enough, — the coach waved his hand, easily blocking another strike and stepping aside. — You’re wasting energy. Emotions are getting in your way, Sophie. Just like your... uh... chest. — He glanced briefly at her bust, and a smirk flashed across his face. — Doesn’t it feel uncomfortable?

— It’s because of these damn... — She stopped short, realizing he was just trying to provoke her. Breathe in, breathe out. Sophie shook her head, feeling her earrings jingle lightly in response.

— You said this was just temporary, — she exhaled slowly, trying to regain focus. — Just for a few days… A week’s gone by, and I’m still in this body. So what now?

The coach spread his hands, stepping closer and leaning in, so she could see every wrinkle on his face.

— Well, it seems I was wrong. Damn it, — he raised his hand and scratched the back of his head, looking away a bit. — You’re fighting like a girl… Doesn’t sound so motivating now, huh?

— I’ll show you how a "girl" can fight! — she spat, bursting forward and launching a series of punches. Cross, uppercut, hook — each strike was precise, measured, but... The body felt treacherously alien. Her center of gravity shifted, balance wavered, and despite all her efforts, the punches lacked their usual power. The coach dodged easily, his movements relaxed and taunting.

— Stop, — he said sharply, raising his hand. — I don’t think this is going to change anything. Honestly, I was just trying to calm you down. I thought this whole... story about you being a guy would somehow pass. I don’t know why you keep insisting.

— Are you kidding me?! — Her voice rang out, breaking into a falsetto, making her anger flare even more. — I... I really was him! You saw me here every day!

The coach just sighed heavily, as if tired of her endless complaints. He stepped closer, grasping her wrist with his large, rough fist.

— Listen, Sophie, — this time, his voice held no mockery, just a hint of weariness. — I remember you growing up, I remember what happened to your parents, and... I’m sorry, but I still think you’ve been acting like this all week for some reason, though I have no idea why... Maybe, uh, you just need to clear your head. I don’t know... go dance in a club or—

— Dance?! — Sophie yanked her hand free, stepping back as if struck. — I’m telling you, I was a guy! Damn it, we trained together just last week!

— Mmm... — The coach shook his head vaguely, as if letting her words pass through him. — So what am I supposed to do with this... — he pointed at her with his glove. — Story? You look like a girl, you fight like a girl, and now even... — he glanced her up and down, and Sophie felt a wave of humiliation wash over her as his gaze lingered on her chest. — Even move like a girl.

— Screw you! — she shouted, ripping off her gloves and tossing them to the floor. This time, the anger hit her like a storm, and tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked rapidly, trying to banish the betraying moisture. Tears! As if he hadn’t left her with anything else but these emotions! — I... — Sophie struggled to find the words, but her voice shook. — I was strong, the best fighter here. And now you’re telling me none of that matters?

— It matters, it matters, it’s fine, — he replied softly, but then added sharply: — That’s it, go home, Sophie. We’ll talk when you calm down.

She was almost shaking with rage and helplessness, but forced herself to take a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts. Everything seemed meaningless: her old name, her old image, even her old life. If even the coach, who had known her all her life, didn’t believe her... What’s next?

— Home? — She laughed bitterly, trying to hold back the scream building in her chest. — And what should I do there? Sit in front of a mirror and think about how to turn back? Or better yet, put on some amazing makeup, right? — Although she said it sarcastically, she really did want to try a new look, even though she didn’t want to admit it. And of course, the earrings were no accident...