Gemotions

The chess board. A game of strategy, a battle of wits. He'd introduced his daughter, Clara, to chess years ago, a shared interest. Now, the chessboard felt like a prison. He now avoided playing with her. She was a prodigy, but it was more than just skill. Her focus was intense, her gaze unwavering.

He was sitting in his armchair. He could hear her moving pieces on the chessboard. Each click and tap of the chess pieces set his teeth on edge. He could feel his heart hammering. She was too quiet.

He felt a sudden urge to flee, to escape the suffocating silence. He had to go somewhere, anywhere.