We sat in silence for some time. My guest disturbingly still and preternaturally silent. The only sounds were my heartbeat, and the occasional crack of smoldering embers.
I was losing badly at our game, but I didn't mind. I was utterly enthralled by every move, while my mind whirled at right angles to itself.
I found myself under atari several times during our match. I made a note to mentally examine this later.
After a long stretch of non-speaking, I finally vocalized.
"I have an immense respect for you, y'know."
My opponent placed a stone. "I know."
I hesitated. Then I realized I didn't know why I was hesitating. "Can I ask ... why you know?"
The stony mask moved level with my eyes-- I was being stared at. I forced myself to return the gaze as the answer came.
"It's extraordinarily rare that I spend time talking with someone who doesn't respect me. It happens, but rarely."
I frowned. "Why would someone... not? How could they not?"
My opponent shrugged slowly and deliberately. "Denial. Foolishness. Hubris. Familiarity. There's many reasons."
"Faith?" I half-quipped, half-offered in sincerity.
There was a half-beat pause; "I already named that one."
I chuffed my amusement faintly and gave a very tiny nod.
I resumed my contemplation of my next move at a losing game.
10:49 p.m. - 2014-12-24
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