Chapter 15: A Father’s Decision

Chapter 15: A Father's Decision

Mike Tyson leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping a glass of water as he watched Malik shadowbox in the living room. Every punch his son threw was crisp, precise, a testament to the natural talent that ran deep in his veins. Mike couldn't help but feel a surge of pride—but alongside it, a sense of unease.

Malik had the makings of a champion, no doubt about it. The kid was a natural in the ring, a prodigy in every sense of the word. But there was one thing Mike knew all too well: boxing wasn't just about fists. It was about life, and life was bigger than the ring.

Setting his glass down, Mike cleared his throat. "Malik, come here for a second."

Malik paused mid-jab, turning to face his father. Sweat dripped from his forehead, but his expression was calm, curious. "What's up, Dad?"

Mike gestured to the couch, and Malik joined him. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence stretching as Mike collected his thoughts.

"You know, you got a gift," Mike began, his voice steady but low. "And I ain't just talkin' about your hands. You got the mind, the discipline... the heart. But there's somethin' I've been thinkin' about."

Malik raised an eyebrow, waiting for his father to continue.

"You're 18 now," Mike said, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "You been workin' hard, focusin' on boxing, but there's somethin' missin'. You never got to finish school."

Malik blinked, taken aback. "School? I mean... I didn't really think about it like that. You're sayin' you want me to go back?"

Mike nodded firmly. "Yeah. You're smart, Malik. Real smart. And you deserve to have somethin' more than just this fightin' thing. Boxing don't last forever. But an education? That stays with you. I want you to graduate, son. I want you to have somethin' solid under your belt before you step fully into this world."

Malik sat back, absorbing his father's words. For a moment, he didn't say anything, his thoughts swirling.

"You know what?" Malik finally said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I think you're right. I want to graduate. I want to do it for me. For Mom, too."

Mike's face softened at the mention of Malik's mother. He nodded again, his voice quieter this time. "She'd be real proud of you, Malik. She always said you had potential to do anything you wanted. And if this is what you want, I'll make it happen."

---

The next week, Mike stood with Malik in the principal's office of a nearby high school. The atmosphere was a mix of curiosity and excitement; after all, not every day did Mike Tyson walk into a public school with his son.

Principal Jenkins, a stern-looking but kind-hearted woman in her late forties, adjusted her glasses and smiled at Malik. "It's not often we get a student as unique as you, Malik. I understand you've been homeschooled for a while?"

"Yes, ma'am," Malik replied respectfully. "But I want to finish school here, graduate the right way."

Jenkins nodded approvingly. "That's a commendable decision. We'll work with you to make sure you're on track for graduation. Just be prepared—being a student here might be a little different than what you're used to."

Mike chuckled, his deep voice filling the room. "Trust me, Principal, Malik can handle it. He's tougher than he looks."

---

The first day of school came quickly, and Malik found himself standing outside the high school gates, a backpack slung over one shoulder. The chatter of students filled the air, and for the first time in a long while, Malik felt something close to nervousness.

Inside, whispers followed him through the hallways.

"Isn't that Mike Tyson's son?"

"No way, what's he doing here?"

"I heard he's a boxer too. Probably gonna knock someone out in gym class."

Malik ignored the murmurs, focusing instead on finding his locker. Despite the attention, he felt a sense of calm. This was his decision, his path.

---

Back at home, Mike watched the clock, his thoughts lingering on Malik. He had no doubt his son would succeed—whether in the ring or the classroom. Malik was a fighter, through and through, but more than that, he was smart, grounded.

As Mike sat in the quiet of their home, he smiled to himself. This was the right call. Malik would finish school, earn his diploma, and show the world that he was more than just a boxer, more than just Mike Tyson's son.

He was Malik Tyson—a young man carving his own legacy.