The Bull by the Horns

Marcus stood before the bathroom mirror at 6 AM, examining the gray hairs at his temples like they were invading soldiers. Another birthday next week—forty-eight, and still running on the same treadmill. The kind of running that wasn't movement at all, just frantic motion in place.

"You're taking the bull by the horns," his therapist had said during yesterday's session. Marcus had snorted. "No, Elena. The bull is taking ME by the horns. I'm just along for the ride."

The corporate restructuring announcement was scheduled for 10 AM. His division was being "realigned"—corporate bullshit for dismantled. Twenty years of climbing ladders, and now someone younger hungrier cheaper would take his place. His ex-wife's words echoed: "You're so invested in this game that doesn't love you back."

His phone buzzed. Sasha, the woman he'd been seeing for three months. "Padel at 7? My court."

He should say no. He had prep work. But something in him—desperation, loneliness, the urge to feel anything other than impending professional doom—made him type: "See you there."

Sasha was thirty-four, vibrant, uncomplicated. She played padel with fierce joy, her dark ponytail swinging, sweat making her skin glow. Marcus played mechanically, his movements efficient but joyless. He could feel the bull's horns already digging into his ribs, the corporate stampede about to trample him.

Then Sasha laughed—genuine, head thrown back, completely unselfconscious—as she smashed a winner past him. "You're thinking about work again, aren't you? I can see it. Your eyes go dead."

Marcus stopped running. Just stopped on the court, paddle hanging at his side.

"I'm losing my job," he said. "Probably today."

Sasha's expression softened. She walked to the net, looked him in the eyes. "So? You're also losing your hair, and you're still the best fuck I've had in years."

The bull stopped charging. The running in place ceased. Marcus started laughing—really laughing—for the first time in months.

"Game point," he said. "Your serve."