Looking out across the battlefield revealed the brutality of the tactics being played. Sacrifices had been made early and losses on both sides were mounting.
Glimpsed across the field of play, the opposing tactician schemed with her chief strategist, her elder brother. A pause in the carnage had put the next move squarely in their hands. There was a slim hope, the beginnings of a desperate plan that could be my one hope to put an end to a protracted conflict.
Suddenly a noise cut through the air causing every eye to turn toward a small purple picture bouncing merrily along with the tune. All the combatants knew the sound well, doom and dread filled every heart but for vastly different reasons.
The look of defeat in the kids eyes as the teams jingle chimed broke my heart. “Let’s finish this first.” I said conspiratorially. A quick message of apology sent from my phone silenced the ringing. The chess battle resumed with grins on every face.