Author's note: Written for the Paint It Red July 2012 Monthly Challenge. Prompt: "Only fools carry on."

A game of chess

It's just like playing chess in the dark. He can't see his opponent's moves – not until one of his pieces is suddenly captured.

Sam Bosco. Kristina Frye. Luther Wainwright.

The black king – he rather sees him as the red king, but it doesn't really matter – has got to them in different ways.

Luckily he still keeps his most valuable pieces.

His loyal, stubborn, long-enduring white queen.

The bulky rook. The solemn bishop. The red-headed knight.

He knows it's foolhardy, but he can't help carrying on.

No stalemate is allowed. Checkmate is the only way this is ever going to end.