While The Counselor and Kaori ate, the front door opened. A young man stepped in, kicked off his snow-covered boots and shook off the icy powder that covered his jacket.
"Ah! And here comes my son."
"Work closed early tonight," the young man said. "It's crazy out there and who the heck is this guy?"
Kaori grimaced. "That's not proper of you, Warren. Anyway, this is Counselor, and he's here because of what's happening out there."
After Warren shed off his thick jacket and scarf, he eyed The Counselor with caution.
"He's a shy kid," said Kaori. "We've been cooped up in this place, and I'm the only he's known for all his life."
"Mom!"
Kaori grinned.
After dinner, Warren sat at the chess table and played by himself. Kaori went upstairs to freshen up with a bath. The Counselor was left by himself, looking out the window where the snowstorm was dying down. He then turned his attention to Warren who stole a glance at him, seemingly annoyed he was caught.
"Did you want a competitor?" asked The Counselor. "I think I know how to play. My past self was very good at it, but I'm not sure if I'll remember how good I am."
Warren raised an eyebrow at him. "I have no idea what you just said, but sure."
As they played, faces of past friends flitted by at the edges of The Counselor's memories. He could hear laughter and grunts of anger, all coming from the results of a win or a loss. And then a pang of pain crossed his mind, but only slightly. He couldn't remember his name anymore. Only his face. There was no grief for those he was forgetting. But what remained, and what he was thankful for, was the emotion they evoke in him.
"Check. Mate," said Warren, pushing The Counselor's king with his queen.
Perhaps an adventure is sorely needed, thought The Counselor. He looked up at the ceiling, wondering how long Kaori will take to finish up.
"Say... If you could go anywhere in space. And time. Where would you want to go?"
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