Gemotions

The chessboard glowed under the dim light of the library. Arthur, a retired chess champion, watched his daughter, Clara, move her pieces with a calculated intensity that mirrored his own glory days. Clara had taken to the game with an unnerving fervor, devouring books on strategy, spending hours in silent contemplation. Arthur needed the money from the tournament prize, to pay for his mounting medical bills, but Clara was already planning her next move. The pressure was immense, a heavy weight that settled on his shoulders.

“Clara, it’s late, dear. Perhaps we should call it a night.” Arthur stated.

Clara simply shook her head and moved her queen.

Arthur sighed and felt the sweat begin to bead on his forehead.