Guarding the Square

After walking back from the gardens, the quiet warmth of the parlor was most welcoming. Upon the low walnut table, an unfinished chess match rested in silence, though a carved wooden knight had tumbled onto its flank across two central squares. Hoisting myself onto the edge of the armchair, I reached across the checkered surface. Working with both paws, I carefully raised the weighted piece, gently turning its felt base until it sat squarely in the center of its dark square. Its carved crest now faced forward in dignified balance, restoring proper decorum to the board.