A Game of Black and White

Two polished pebbles—one glossy black, one milk white—lay waiting across a grid of carved stone lines. An impromptu board game? Don't mind if I do! I scrambled atop the cool granite bench, surveying the field like a veteran grandmaster. The white stone had a hefty, silky chill beneath my palms. With both hands, I shoved it forward across the groove to corner the black piece. Tap! A sharp, satisfying clack echoed off the slab. I folded my arms, leaned back, and narrowed my eyes at the empty seat opposite me. Your move, invisible maestro!