M, Anil Emere Daldal

drugs, alcohol, one night stands and a ton of crying was what consisted of Kleo’s weekeends.

she often went to bars and casinos to either gamble or drink away. her life was a mess but she didn’t make an effort to fix it.

— and today wasn’t any different.

Kleo sat at a picnic table outside a casino, her cheek resting on her hand as she moved her pawn towards his.

her specialty was chess and she knew this would be a lazy, easy game. Derek moved his pawn away, his expression neutral.

they had played together multiple times together and usually bet money on who would win. sometimes it was her, at times it was him.

either way, they were good players.

Kleo exhaled softly through her nose, her mind working overtime to think of what to do next.

she eventually made her next move, her expression remaining tired and emotionless.

the air and wind was cold, the streets were busy and the lights illuminated the outside of New York.

“how much did you bet again?” she asked, her tone remaining neutral as she shifted a bit.

Kleo rested her chin in her palm, her elbow on the table as she looked down at the chess board.