A single square

I walked down the sidewalk to the neighborhood park. Under a sycamore tree, a stone table sat with an abandoned game of chess. Black and white wooden pieces rested mid-play on the checkered slate. I stepped onto the concrete bench and leaned close. The figures stood in patient silence. I reached out with my gloved hand and took hold of a white pawn. Its green felt base slid without a sound across the polished stone. Exactly one square forward into the open rank. I let go. I withdrew my hand and waited. The move is set. Now the quiet game continues.