Glancing at his watch, He rushed as fast as his tired legs would carry him across the park to the chess boards. Scanning the area before He even reached it, He spotted his dear old friend.

            Sitting at the table, out of breath, He ran his wrinkled hand through his white wispy hair, struggling to ease his beating heart.

            “You’re late ya old fool.”

            “I know, I know, sorry. I got caught up in something.”

            “I already set up the pieces, just make your move, and hurry up, I gotta meet James for lunch.”

            The two elderly gentlemen began their game, both hunched over their respective pieces like vultures over their unsuspecting dinner. The sun shone brightly that day, but the air had a crisp cool edge to it. The leaves were changing from vivid greens to blazing oranges and yellows, flowers wilted, grass was changing into dried blades that cracked under one’s feet and cut at your tender soles. Birds sang their whimsical songs hidden well in the branches of the trees above.

            It was a peaceful day at the park, no screaming children, they were all in school this time of day; a few passer-bys with dogs and babies in strollers, who would occasionally wave an awkward fist at the two men; smiling they would return the gesture and chuckle softly at the child’s pleased squeal of response. Freddy and Harry, two other chess partners, came and went, Harry complaining the cold disturbed his arthritis, Fred calling him a schmuck and then reluctantly retreating with him into the park center to play in the heated rooms. Other partners settled into chairs several tables away, giving space for concentration and masculine security.

            “So how’s old McArthur on second and Vincent?”

            “Dead. Died of a heart attack.”

            “Is that so? Too bad.”

            “You didn’t know?”

            “No, I’ve been busy.”

            “Yeah, left Mae all alone to care for herself. I don’t think he had much of a pension.”

            “Poor woman.”

            “Mhm.”

            He moved his pawn. A dog barked in the distance, the wind rushed through the trees, giving a sharp rustle in the air.

            “What about little Johnny, how’s he? About to finish high school, right?”

            “Nope. Dropped out, had to get a job when he got his little girlfriend pregnant.”

            “Oh really?”

            “You didn’t know?”

            “I didn’t hear.”

            “Yeah, she’s due next couple of months…pretty girl, they’re both smart. Its sad really.”

            “Yeah.”

            “You oughta pay more attention.” He quickly moved his piece to knock his defending pawn and stood in its place. Taken aback, He stroked his feathered beard, pondering his next move. Sucking on his teeth, He sighed and moved his next piece.

            “Hey what about Sarah? Her marriage to that kid, Mark?”

            “He was cheating, she left him.”

            “Huh.”

            “You didn’t know?”

            “Nah.”

            “Yeah, cheating with some dumb blonde. I tell ya he’ll never find another Sarah again.”

            “Nope. Love like that comes only once, if you’re lucky.”

            “Yep.”

            He moved his knight across the board, smiling smugly. A silence had fallen over the park area. Upon closer observation, He noticed the other chess players had given up and gone inside too. Here and there a car would pass, but no joggers or walkers passed by nor could be seen to pass by in the near future. A chill ran up his spine.

            “So is little Laura still playing in your yard, tearin’ up your flowers?”

            “Nope. Damnedest thing, she was out playing and of course her mom wasn’t watching, just drove by and snatched her up. Ain’t been seen since.”

            “No!”

            “You didn’t know?”

            “That’s terrible!”

            “Yeah…I wish she could tear my flowers up again. You know they’ve given up looking for her, think she’s dead.”

            The man was quiet. A cool breeze hit his back, He shivered. The sun disappeared behind a looming gray cloud in the sky and if only for a moment, it would seem summer gave autumn a miss and went straight on into a dark cold winter. He wrapped his coat around himself tighter. A white feather fell off his shoulder in a gust of wind. He continued his game and moved his Queen.

            “What about Kevin?”

            “Dead. Killed in that damned war they got runnin’ over there.”

            “I thought he had a football scholarship.”

            “Gave it up.”

            “I didn’t know.” He said softly.

            His friend carefully glided his piece across the board in a swift motion and gently placed it in front of his king.

            “Check mate.”

            Thoughtfully, He laid the fallen king down on the board.

            “Good game.”

            He rose and shook his friend’s hand.

            “See ya next time, Jerry.”

            “Next time.” he smiled.

            The man departed, tying off his belt on his coat, and, shoulders hung low, He made his way across the grass again. The sun stayed hidden, the cloud overhead burst and drops of rain shattered over the park.