Escape

Outside a pavilion, Nadia knelt on the ground, trembling with fear and anxiety. Inside the pavilion, two figures were engrossed in a game of chess. Her father, Alfie, stood beside her, bowing deeply, not daring to raise his head, as if awaiting some judgment.

Nadia, feeling increasingly uneasy, stole glances at the two men. However, their eyes never left the chessboard, seemingly unaware of Alfie and his daughter.

After ten long minutes, Alfie's back was aching from bowing, and finally,...