A Single Move

I climbed onto the low cushioned stool beside the game table, where an abandoned chess match sat quietly beneath the warm lamp. The wooden squares were dusted with stillness, perfectly undisturbed. Reaching forward without haste, I closed my fingers around the carved crown of a polished boxwood knight. The worn timber felt smooth and cool against my skin. With deliberate care, I lifted the piece and set it cleanly two squares forward onto an empty dark tile. The gentle wooden tap settled softly into the quiet room. It seems much better suited there.

1 Nauk