30: ROOMMATES

“Isabella, that’s cheating.”

“No dad, it’s strategy.”

We’re in the alpha’s office, on that familiar mahogany chess table, the black and white pieces in a dance of tactical defense and brute attack.

My father smiles, his chipped tooth glinting in the too bright light of the room like a gemstone. His hair is so ginger, so fiery it looks like his head is glowing, about to catch on fire. “It’s against the rules.” He chides playfully, returning my rook back to it’s original position.

“My rook got injected with the Super Soldier Serum and now he has the same powers as all the other pieces combined.” I explain, moving it back diagonally to checkmate his king.

He laughs; the sound echoing into the walls like everything around us is trying to soak it in. “Well, that’s justified.” He agrees, shrugging.

“Wilma is not here.” I notice, looking to the empty chair on my left. “We always play chess with her.”

My dad shakes his head, his smile suddenly turning sullen, and the sunlight dims. “No, it’s