to play the game

“I think that guy is supposed to stand up Calliope…in a square,” Urania tried to be helpful.

“I do know that much about chess,” Calliope giggled. “When I stood the fella up, his head was blurry in the photo.”

“Why doesn’t she know how to play chess?” asked Calliope.

“Ummm…I guess because she was never exposed to the game…or people who played,” replied Urania. “The time she tried to learn…she decided she couldn’t even keep up with the names of the pieces…and gave up. She didn’t have any energy behind it.”

“Humans…all different…and with so many options,” said Thalia. “I for one am glad we’re not juggling rooks and kings with commas and quotation marks.”

“Do you think people are born with a purpose?” asked Calliope.

“Nothing like a deep philosophical question at 6:00 am Cal…nicely done,” Urania tossed a horse from the chess board at her.

Cal caught the piece and said, “I think some show up with an obvious disposition…like the kid…he took to fishing…like a fish to water. And the boy in the film…a natural at chess.”

“And then there are others…who could do lots of things…no specific shiny talent,” said Thalia. “Like our typist…it was when she slowed down and followed her curiosity that we were able to find her.”

I can hear you!
Give me a little credit, will you?
I am part of this team…not just the typist.

“She’s got a point…we’ll have to come up with a better name than “typist” for her,” Thalia raised her eyebrows at U&C.

“Can we get back to the film…Searching for Bobby Fischer?” asked Calliope.

“We haven’t finished watching it yet,” said Urania.

Calliope continued, “I know…and one line is sticking to me like glue. The night before a big tournament the boy says to his dad — Maybe it’s better not to be the best…then you can lose and it’s okay — why are people so afraid to lose?”

“Good question Cal…because…what if their purpose…is simply to play the game?”