Gemotions

The local park's chess club was usually a quiet affair. But today, the silence was shattered by rapid-fire moves and the excited shouts of a dozen children. Mark, a dedicated chess player since his youth, now watched his son, Ben, dominate the club, winning every game with brash confidence.

He adjusted his glasses, feeling a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He'd retreated to a secluded bench, the scene unfolding before him like a very public parade. Ben's victory was followed by a chorus of congratulations, and then, a loud, "Dad! Come play me! I can *totally* beat you!"

Mark stared at the chessboard set up on the table, feeling the weight of a thousand unseen eyes.