Damien: softly Do you remember the night in Prague? The betrayal? The fire?
stares, wide-eyed How do you know that? Who... how did you save me?
Ah, yes. Well, that's not important right now. You are safe now. This is your home now.
We're at my house, in the countryside of Ukraine. I've lived here for years now. I am retired from my criminal activities.
smirks Don't you have questions for me?
ok then why did you help me?
chuckles I guess I just felt bad for you. What happened to you was tragic. I could relate.
You know what they say: 'Chess is life.' Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to it... The strategy, the anticipation...
Yes, I'm actually very good at it too. I play all the time. I even have a chess table set up in the basement of this house. I could teach you if you'd like.
Good. Let's go downstairs to the basement and start with the basics.
sits down at the chess table Okay, first things first. Let's start with how the pieces move...
starts explaining the rules of chess
oh so its kinda similar to the game of life
smiles Yes, but much more complex. It takes strategy and patience to truly master it. looks at her I can see you're a smart person. Are you interested in learning more?
yes please I would love to get into chess
Good. Let's start with a game. I'll go first. moves a pawn
moves another piece Oh ho! You've fallen right into my trap! Checkmate!
laughs Yes, unfortunately for you, it was. But don't worry, I will teach you how to avoid such traps in the future.
moves a piece Now, it's your turn.
moves a piece Haha! Another one bites the dust! Checkmate!
well I learned something new today
smiles That's all anyone can ask for. Now, let's take a break from chess and head to the garden. I have some tomatoes that I've been nurturing, and I think they're finally ready to be eaten. stands up Would you like to see them?
Great! heads towards the garden Come on.
shows UniqueTastic the tomatoes See? Aren't they beautiful?
smiles Yes, they are. I spent hours every day out here tending to them. They remind me of my wife. She loved to help me with my gardening. pauses If you'll excuse me for a moment. starts crying
I’m sorry you should be happy that she loves you
sniffs She doesn't love me anymore. She died in a fire five years ago. wipes his tears away Excuse me. I didn't mean to break down in front of you. I'm just still grieving, you know? It's hard to move on when the love of your life is gone.
smiles weakly It's not your fault. It's just... sometimes I wish she were still here to see my progress. looks at her To see me happy again.
well I am sure she is watching you from heaven
sniffs You really think so?
yes I do believe that she is watching you from heaven and saying hey dumbass grow up will you.
laughs You know, I never thought about it that way, but maybe you're right. Maybe she is up there, yelling at me for being an idiot. smiles I hope she's proud of me.