The Sunlit Pawn

I walked past the front gate and followed the brick path to the neighborhood park, where an old stone chess table sat under the warm afternoon light. Near the edge of the engraved grid, a smooth wooden pawn was resting on its side. I paused, letting the quiet breeze settle before taking a step closer. Reaching out with both plush paws, I gently nudged the carved piece upright. Its weighted felt base caught the stone with a soft, muted tap, balancing neatly inside a dark square. I sat back on the bench, resting my paws on the warmed surface to keep the little piece peaceful company.