Chess... Jack always remembered that it was one of his favorite games as a child. The game was played on a black and white box. Played by moving the pieces on the board. Trying to get rid of other pieces, until finally winning a game by knocking out the king.
When he was a kid, Jack thought that the game of chess was amazing. But as he grew up he realized that everyday life is like a chess game. People who are at the bottom become the lowest positioned pawns are easy to get rid of. Weak pawns try to protect the strongest pawns. Like a subordinate working for his boss. And it is also like everyday life where the weak will be more easily oppressed by the stronger or even eliminated.
***
"Jack, oi Jack," Nino called repeatedly when she found her close friend looking like a daydreamer. It was rare to find Jack in a dreamy state.
"What's wrong?" Jack replied with a flat face.
Nino was surprised to find Jack who looked like he wasn't excited. "Why, is there a problem?"
"Stress from work and lack of rest. My daily bread. And it affects my thoughts and feelings," Jack answered honestly. It was only natural that there were times when he felt tired of this kind of stressful situation.
Nino looked at Jack with concern. His close friend who was usually full of vigor and energy that only applied when in work mode, now looked so miserable his face was crumpled, his eyes were puffy, and his body looked weak. This was not the Jack he was used to.
"Hey, Jack," Nino touched his friend's shoulder. "I know this might sound silly, but would you mind playing chess with me for a while? I think it could help you relax."
Jack raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unexpected offer. "Chess? Are you serious?"
Nino nodded with a big smile. "Seriously. Come on, Jack. I know you like chess. Maybe this game can take your mind off all that stress for a while."
Jack let out a long sigh, but then nodded in agreement. "Alright, Nino. Let's play just so you can see my stress increase."
***
The two of them sat at a small table in the corner of the room. Nino took out a chessboard from her bag and started arranging the pieces. Jack observed the chessboard with slightly shining eyes. Memories of his childhood playing chess with his father suddenly came flooding back.
"Chess... I always remember this game," Jack said while observing the pieces. "When I was a kid, I thought this game was amazing. But as I grew up, I realized that everyday life is like a chess game. The people at the bottom become the lowest pawns, and it's easy to get rid of them."
Nino nodded while wearing a wise smile. "Life is indeed like that, similar to a chess game. But don't forget, the weakest pawns can also be the foremost and bravest when danger threatens."
Jack looked at Nino with questioning eyes. "What do you mean?"
Nino placed a pawn on the board and said, "Look at this, Jack. Although they're easy to get rid of, these weakest, front-most pawns are actually very brave. They move forward without ever backing down, facing the obstacles and dangers in front of them. And if they make it to the end of the board, they can transform into the queen, the strongest piece in the game."
Jack looked at the pawn attentively. "You're right, Nino. Pawns are brave."
Nino smiled and started moving their pawns. "Remember, Jack. Although life is tiring, it's a sign that one needs a break and there's no need to put pressure on oneself. We are all like chess pieces, needing to survive and find a strategy to win the game."
As they played, Nino kept talking, giving advice and light humor to cheer Jack up. "You know what, Jack? In chess, there's an interesting term called 'zugzwang'. It's a situation where every move taken by a player will worsen his position. Sometimes, life is like that too. We feel like every decision we make is wrong. But, just like in chess, we have to keep moving forward and find a way out."
Jack started to smile. "You're right, Nino. Life is like chess. Many times we have to make difficult moves, but that's part of the game. It seems to be so prevalent in life.
.
Nino chuckled. "That's right. And remember, taking a break doesn't mean we stop. Sometimes we just need time to re-strategize so that we don't give up in the middle of life's long road. Life is long, tiring and boring. But if we give up in the middle of the road then that means we are the ones who defeat ourselves, before the opponent moves to attack us."
***
After playing for some time, Jack seemed to be more relaxed. They laughed together as Nino made some silly moves and lost quickly. However, for Nino, it wasn't about winning or losing, but rather about helping his friend feel better.
"Thanks, Nino," Jack said after they finished the game. "I feel much better now. You were right, I needed a break."
Nino patted Jack's shoulder and smiled broadly. "Of course, Jack. We all need a break. Remember, life is full of challenges, but we always have the choice to face and overcome them in our own way. So cheer up and smile a little," he consoled.
Jack smiled and felt his heart lighten. "You know, Nino, I think I need more time to rest and plan new strategies. Life is like chess, full of tactics."
Nino nodded in agreement. "And we have to keep playing, looking for the best way to achieve our goals. Remember, every move in chess and in life is an opportunity to learn and grow."
***