The Chess Match is a very detailed short story about Page Calverly. Page is wealthy, independent, old man, eighty-six to be exact, and wonders what life has left for him. He worked as a stock broker for 21 years, saving enough money that he was deemed ‘comfortable’. He has enough money that he can wear nice designer clothes, and own penthouse, while other seniors live in retirement homes, and wear shabby clothing. He demands respect, because he believes no matter his age, he is equal to anyone, old or young. He has seen it all; inventions, wars, peace. Page believes he made all the right plays, all the right moves in his life, as if it were a chess match. He’s lived so long that he is the last one alive from his generation, which he considers an achievement. But news of his nephew’s death surprises him, as he was only 62.
The death made Page think a little of his will, because he himself had no children, he would have to leave it to his nieces and nephews. He doesn’t speak much to the remainder of his family, mostly because they aren’t his age. With this in mind, he never told anyone how his property and money were to be shared.
He arrived at the funeral, and was surrounded by weeping visitors, but a man of his age, becomes quite accustomed to these events. He sat in the waiting room, as he couldn’t stand for a long period of time. He noticed a young man and woman come in, who slowly recognized to be his great-niece and great-nephew. The man smiled towards Page’s direction, and looked away. Page wondered if the man recognized him as his great Uncle. Later, they made the cortege to the cemetery. By the time he reached the graveside, the coffin was already lowered into the ground, and many people began to return to their lives.
Page decided it was time to leave, and walked towards his car, but momentarily turned back to look at the grave, and stumbled, causing him to fall. He used his might to push himself up, but he had no strength, and lay there on the ground. He called out but nobody seemed to hear. Then, he was helped up, by a young man who Page recognized to be his nephew from the waiting room, and saw pity in his eyes.
Why do you think there was pity in pages nephews eyes?
ReplyDeletePage's life is like a chess match, and he has always made the right moves. This was the first time he 'slipped' up, and this cost him, resulting in a shameful situation. The nephew was like the other chess player, and he pointed out Page's mistake.
ReplyDelete