Their game continued like this, void of conversation but still rich in atmosphere. The rain pummeled the world outside only to be muted into constant drumming against the windows and walls. The great clock in the hall continued to slowly tick with a melodic chime every fifteen minutes, all while their pieces clicked and clacked on the board as the players moved them into varying positions of attack and defense. Neither Evelyn nor Aiden was aware the record singing in the corner had long since stopped.
"Were you always good at chess?" Aiden asked.
"Not at first. I played a lot with your grandfather."
"Really? Grandpa? He was always so serious. I never thought he'd be into games."
"Everything's a game," Evelyn said as she moved a piece.
Aiden took a moment while staring at the board in
