Gemotions

“Okay, honey, remember the steps,” Maria said, her voice a little higher than usual. She watched her son, Daniel, stand at the chess board. Her stomach felt hollow. She had learned chess from her grandfather, and shared that love with Daniel. He was now her opponent, and he'd become remarkably good.

Daniel nodded, his gaze fixed on the checkered squares. He’d practiced tirelessly, devouring strategy books, analyzing openings. Maria felt a sense of both pride and… something else. It was difficult to describe.

Maria sat across from him, her fingers tracing the edge of the board. She glanced at the clock, feeling a strange pressure. The game began, and she felt a tremor in her hands.