Michael (12)

Michael carefully removed his elegant, chocolate-brown, single-breasted coat, savoring the sensation of the smooth, velvety fabric as it glided through his fingers.

With precision, he draped it over the back of the chair, ensuring it hung neatly and without a single crease marring its surface.

As he settled into the plush seat, he couldn't help but notice Travis's intense demeanor sitting across from him, his eyes locked on the chessboard that lay between them.

The chessboard, with its alternating squares of rich mahogany and creamy ivory, was a testament to the artisan's skill. Each meticulously carved piece stood proudly on the board, their intricate details reflecting the light, poised for battle and awaiting the strategic commands of their respective players.

To the side of the board, a vintage, wooden game clock stood sentinel, its ticking a subtle reminder of the passage of time and the importance of each move.

Michael's fingers deftly adjusted the white pieces, ensuring their perfect alignment, as Travis patiently observed.

With a decisive motion, Michael advanced the pawn to E4, initiating the classic king's pawn opening. The gentle, yet distinct, sound of wood brushing against wood reverberated throughout the room. He then clicked the game clock, its ticking resuming as the seconds slipped away, marking the beginning of their strategic dance.

In response, Travis wasted no time in maneuvering his pawn to C5, adopting the aggressive stance of the Sicilian Defense. The soft click of the game clock punctuated his move, a subtle reminder of the relentless march of time.

Unfazed, Michael swiftly countered with his knight to F3, the chess piece gliding smoothly across the board.

"How's university life treating you, Michael?" Travis inquired, casually advancing his pawn to D6 before tapping the timer with a satisfying click.

Michael glanced up, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well, I'm thriving in extracurricular activities, but when it comes to academic performance, I'm barely scraping by, especially with the terror professor in calculus," he admitted, pushing his pawn to D4 with a hint of resignation.

Travis stroked his chin thoughtfully, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "Ah, yes. It's particularly rough when you're stuck with one of those terror professors the kind who make an example of you if you dare to ask a question. It's like they're on a mission to ensure no one ever asks anything again. You just nod along, pretending to understand, even when you're completely lost."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience?"

Travis nodded emphatically, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he captured Michael's pawn with his own at D4.

"Oh, absolutely. A hellish experience, to be sure, but I have to admit… I kind of miss those days."

Michael get the pawn at D4 with his knight from F3 as he say, "Terror professors seem to be a common occurrence in college, don't they?"

As Travis deftly positioned his knight on F6, he responded thoughtfully, "Indeed, they are. However, I must concede that some of them reveal a gentler side, offering invaluable support to students. This guidance helps them develop resilience and mental fortitude, as the real world can prove far more daunting after college."

Michael contemplated Travis's words while moving his knight to C3. He clicked the game clock and glanced to the side, noticing a young girl Ivy pushing a chair towards him. Clutching an assortment of colored pens, Ivy piqued the curiosity of both Travis and Michael as she settled into her seat and looked at Michael expectantly.

Michael inquired, "What can I do for you, Ivy?"

She tugged at his arm, and Michael acquiesced, allowing her to roll up his sweater sleeve slightly. Ivy then began to draw something on his wrist.

Travis said as he moved the pawn to A6, "She likes coloring book since she was watching different disney princesses for some reason."

Michael, slightly taken aback, smiled and moved his bishop to E3, "Then I suppose it's an innocent and adorable drawing?"

Suppressing a chuckle, Travis replied with a grin, "Indeed, a truly endearing drawing."

Michael raised an eyebrow but chose not to pursue the matter further, focusing instead on their chess match.

As the game progressed, the soft clicking of the clock and the shifting of pieces filled the air. Suddenly, Travis made a daring queen sacrifice. Michael sensed imminent danger but had no choice but to capture the queen, as ignoring the move would result in checkmate. Travis relentlessly continued his assault, giving Michael no respite from the barrage of checks.

With a cool, calculated demeanor, Travis declared as he maneuvered his knight, "Checkmate."

Michael conceded, "I truly stand no chance against you, Brother Travis."

Travis responded, "You've shown considerable improvement since our last match. Your early game is strong, but you tend to become overly aggressive in the mid-game, falling right into my traps without sufficient forethought. Sometimes, patience is the key to victory, Michael."

Michael offered a subtle nod of agreement just as Ivy finished her drawing and glanced in his direction.

Catching sight of the spider she had drawn on his wrist, Michael couldn't help but flinch slightly.

Ivy responded with a cheeky grin, which Travis mirrored.

Amused by their antics, Michael thought to himself, 'This father-daughter duo.'

He then praised Ivy's artistic endeavor, remarking, "This is an absolutely charming spider, Ivy."

"Uhmn," Ivy responded, her eyes gleaming with pride as she acknowledged his subtle nod. With a sense of accomplishment, she took her leave.

As Michael prepared the chessboard for a rematch, he chose the black pieces this time.

Travis inquired, "I noticed in the chat that you're getting a motorcycle, Michael?"

Michael replied enthusiastically, "Yes, next week. I can hardly wait."

Travis suggested, "How about after you get your motorcycle, we occasionally go for rides to different places?"

Michael agreed calmly, "I would like that."

With the chess pieces meticulously arranged on the board, Travis deftly moved his pawn to C4, masterfully initiating the English Opening. As he confidently pressed the timer, an unsettling atmosphere enveloped the room.

Both men, acutely aware of the sudden shift, felt the chilling presence of a nightmarish entity. Their eyes were drawn to a woman, her piercing gaze seemingly penetrating their very souls.

The woman spoke, her voice laced with intrigue. "So, the two of you are here, I see."

She continued, addressing Travis directly. "Travis Dejan Gutierrez, you should pick up the roasted pig from Rodel's Shop. They've sent a message saying it's ready."

Travis hesitated before replying, his voice quivering, "A-All right, honey."

He promptly left to fulfill the request, his footsteps echoing in the tense atmosphere.

Michael swallowed hard as his sister Mila turned her attention to him, her gaze as sharp as a knife. "You should head to the kitchen. There are many vegetables that need chopping."

Attempting to maintain his composure, Michael replied, "Sister Mila, I am a man, and I am more—"

Mila's eyes seemed devoid of life as she interrupted, "Go now."

Michael flinched and hurried to the kitchen.

Mila's gaze followed the woman, Ashley, who appeared to be sauntering away.

"Where are you going, Ashley?" Mila inquired, her tone laced with suspicion.

Startled, Ashley stammered, "I-I'm already on my way to the kitchen."

Mila corrected her, a sly smile playing on her lips, "The kitchen is in the other direction."

Ashley laughed nervously, "Oh, hahaha… I must have forgotten my way around this place."

She then changed course and headed toward the kitchen, her steps faltering under Mila's watchful eye.