Reading Response: Check. Mate?

          Check. Mate? by Miles Pequeno follows his story about the unforgettable bonding moments between him and his father. Mainly told through a flashback revelation, Pequeno takes on the mysteries of his father's actions through near-daily chess games. It is almost immediately revealed to the reader that the narrator's relationship with his father was expressed the strongest through their competitive matches of chess that took place nearly every night. The narrator then goes on to explain the lessons he learned his whole life through these chess games, starting with one significant night. Revealing the hidden principle which he took to heart that night, the reader is able to take his advice to heart as well.

          Through the intense moments of rapid thought between moves, the unconditional desire to win, and the unbreakable hidden bond of the two players, the relatively short plot leaves the reader's train of thought continuing even after its conclusion. The simplicity of the situation and the complexity of human behavior blends together in such a way in this narrative that it mimics human emotions well enough for most readers to feel as they are reading. Any author knows that a well-written narrative is based off of interactions, and those of sentimental humans make the deepest cuts. Those cuts made by the plot then create scars, and scars can be felt forever. This story had not only left a scar for the narrator to relive throughout his life, but it may also scratch the reader deep enough for him or her to not easily forget about.