(1.e4 c5…) The cell phone went off for the third time, and remained untouched, resting next to the computer.  (2.Nf3 d6…) It was not easy for him, after investing so much in his job, to agree on quitting now, despite the negative comments he had received from advisors, regarding the finances of the company. Decisions had to be taken, hard decisions but likely appropriate to the urgency of the situation. The square screen stared at him, blinded by the bright fonts and dull books. (3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6…) Certain things are done without remorse; almost naturally…certain things are not as easy he told himself, the TV kept the routine sounds bouncing off the walls. (5.Nc3 Nc6…) He remembered his first day at the job, it was so clear in his memory. What can I do for you today?(6.Bc4 e6 7.Bb3 a6…) A handshake, a smile. Customers started coming with increasing frequency. The newcomer had arrived, and gradually became popular in town. His opinions were given attention, and people looked forward to seeing him around and about. I wish I had more time.(8.Be3 Qc7 9.Qe2 Be7…) I am just a driver, do not ask me  for directions; our place of destination  will find us. Of course he had detractors, barking quijotes in a world overpopulated with dogs. Just recently, new equipment was ordered, promising signs were obvious. What the hell happened? (10.0-0-0 0-0 11.g4 Nd7…) What the hell happened with you last night? We were supposed to go over the numbers again. I am not quitting. (12.Rhg1 Nc5 13.Nf5 b5…) We will recalculate until we get them straightened out. Are you a math wiz (14.Bd5…) someone is at the door, knocking…He was never afraid of showing his poise, one could not find a trace of fear in his eyes (14…Bb7 15.g5 b4…). This time, even hesitation was out of order, all steps required perfection…even when you are not  trying to force anything, you must force it all (16.Qh5 Ne5 17.Rg3 exf5…) Recalculate your options, mentally, over and over again. If you want to stay in business, at least the numbers need to make sense. (18.exf5 Rfc8 19.Rh3 Kf8…) I hold in my hand a knob that may open the future to whole different galaxies (20.Qxh7 Ke8 21.f6 Bxd5…) You hold in your hands a key that belonged to me in a previous dream

(22.Bxc5 bxc3 23.Rxd5 Qb7…)  Many years have passed and I haven’t been able to forget yet. Perhaps it’s the long awaited rest or the boredom, but this silence keeps waking me up at night. Member, philanthropist, pawn unable to reach the eight row, I can become anything in front of your sunburned- eclipsed eyes. (24.Qe4 Rxc5 25.Rh8+ Bf8…) Hello? Are you serious? I can’t believe it…well, ok. I just called to remind you  and praise the anacondas, squirming at the bottom of the river, swallowing past prejudice perfectly, in harmony with the swinging boats. These animals are not medium. These days are not behind the plastic curtain. (26.fxg7 Qxb2+ 27.Kd1 Rxd5+…) He thought about it and hesitated again. It wasn’t that he had grown to love the place, or the house; or the daily routines. It was not that mowing the lawn felt like shaving. He just could not agree to start over. (28.Qxd5 Qb1+ 29.Ke2 Qxc2+ 30.Kf1 Qc1+ 31.Ke2 Qb2+ 32.Kf1 Kd7…) It’s not in my hands anymore, these last few days have flown by and my breath lies on the carpet (33.gxf8=Q Qb1+ 34.Ke2 Qc2+ 35.Ke3 Rxf8 36.Rxf8 Qc1+ 37.Ke2 Qb2+ 38.Ke3 draw) I guess I am not going anywhere.

I guess I am not going anywhere.

About the game: 

Figlio, Gino-Walsh, Hector XV CADAP Zonal Final, 2002

Copyright 2005 by Gino F. Figlio, all rights reserved.

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