He was eighty-nine years old, sharp as a tack, and somehow the funniest man in the building.
Every Wednesday, we drank tea, played chess, and he told me stories from his long, remarkable life.
That was where I met Albert.
« You know, » he said one afternoon, « you play chess like someone who’s thinking about ten other things. »
« Maybe I am, » I admitted.
« Then you’re a dangerous woman. Distracted people win by accident. »
I laughed.
It surprised me how good it felt.
« Maybe I am, »
« Checkmate, » he added a moment later, grinning like a boy.
Continue on the next page:
