The heavens saw how dangerously delicate a human is, deliberately holding dear to the title that keeps them on top of the dominionㅡfigurative power. Regarded as the smartest functioning race.
Oblivious to what was coming, a foreboding havoc staring...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
If there's one compelling trait to which I will never abhor about humanity is our intriguing regards for theatrics. Orchestrated by our deepest and twisted motivations none could ever fathomㅡthose lingering intrusive thoughts that demands. However, pacified for what we so called as frail morality and therefore acts a hinge to keep our monsters at bay. But the question is, for how long?
It's not the deed or the result that most of us would intentionally weave ourselves in this complex situation, it's the driving force that made us do it. In every single decision would mean a layer of why's, no matter how simple it may seem. As to my why, there could be a thousand. Or even more.
"Checkmate." I declared, directly looking at the old man, slightly smirking as I flick the white king off the board. My other hand is at the top of a leather bag filled with thick cash. I heard a few gasps as I felt the gazes of the other people occupying each table in the concrete room.
"I may have underestimated you, child." He maintained eye contact. Judging by his relaxed face with a gentle protruding smile, I may have miscalculated his reaction. All the elderly I have encountered were ill-tempered and grumpy.
I raised an eyebrow. "You still gave me a good match." I'd give him that.
"Still? It's the first time we've played." His eyes roaming around my face, sounding a bit hesitant. "Strangely, you remind me of someone." The old man slightly chuckled. "I can't completely recall but there's this young lad who beat me as well earlier in my chess career. You both emit the same aura, that determined eyes."
Silence followed, I can feel that he's subtly urging me to comment, either to deny or confirm but I did not bother. It's better to leave it that way.
"It can just be a fragment of my imagination or due to my age. Forgive this elderly."
You're right, it's me, that young girl you're talking about. The first to show me what kindness was and had saved me in more ways than one. I still hold that precious memory close at heart. A rekindle that keeps them warm from time to time.
A wringing far fetched memory knocked at the back of my mind to which I instantly dismissed. I still grabbed the leather bag although I wasn't really after the money. The match with the wrinkly man was what I was after. As I was about to leave, he spoke.
"I'd like to ask you something. If you're a chess piece, what color would you be?"
It was such an easy question but it took me a whole minute to answer. For some reason, I am contemplating. Was this a trick question?
To my disdain, his smile grew wider. "The fact that there was a hesitation, the answer could be... neither, am I right?"
"It won't matter if I choose to flip and mess the whole board even before someone wins."
