Chapter 67 - The Quiet Evenings
Retirement was not boring; it was incredibly, blissfully quiet.
We spent our evenings in the library, reading books we had neglected for decades, listening to vintage vinyl records, and simply existing in each other's presence.
"What are you reading, my love?"
Alexander asked one night, looking up from his chessboard.
"A history of the Roman Empire,"
I replied, turning a thick, parchment page.
"They built massive walls, conquered the known world, and yet, they still fell,"
Alexander mused, moving a knight across the board.
"Because they built their empire on conquest and fear,"
I noted, looking over the top of my reading glasses.
"We built ours on love and protection. That is why ours will stand."
Alexander smiled, entirely conceding the point.
May you like
"Checkmate,"
He said softly, tapping the king on the board.
