Victory Square

Mr. Simons sat with his back to the fire. Pintu leaned across the checker board opposite him. They each studied their moves carefully as the fire popped and crackled. Store patrons passed by and glanced their way. Neither spoke, just the checkers sliding across the board doing their talking. Finally after what seemed like hours, Mr. Simons’ finger lingered on a piece. Pintu’s ears dropped. Mr. Simons moved his piece slowly into the square. Pintu was pinned. Mr. Simons gave out a cry of victory that rattled the soup cans behind the counter. Pintu laid his dollar on the table