Square by Square

I trotted along the gravel path into the pocket park, scrambling up from the low bench onto the smooth concrete chess table. Resting on the worn checkered surface were two wooden pieces left behind—a tall dark knight and a smooth pale pawn. I hesitated for a breath, watching the gentle air stir a dried leaf near the edge. When the pieces stayed perfectly steady, I planted both front paws against the pawn's rounded collar and pushed. It glided across three faded squares with a soft scrape, stopping nose-to-nose with the sturdy knight. Resting my chin over the pawn’s polished head, I quietly admired the little standoff.