Gemotions

The flickering candlelight illuminated the chess board. Martha’s hands trembled as she rearranged the pieces. For years, chess had been her refuge, her intellectual battleground. Now, her son, Sam, saw it as a game to be won, using the same aggressive tactics that always annoyed her. His ruthless ambition had invaded her mental space.

“Your move, Mom.” Sam’s voice was too calm, too confident.

She felt a tremor in her hands, a need to throw the board across the room. She was trapped, checkmated in her own domain. It felt like someone had kicked her in the gut. Instead, she took a deep breath. She had to play his game.