Ninth birthday

I'm 1 year older now! 9 years old and I'm a national chess champion. I'm still about 429 points away from grand-master status, but I was touted as the Great American Hope, a child prodigy and a girt to boot. They ran a photo of me in Life magazine next to a quote in which Bobby Fischer said, "There will never be a woman grand master." "Your move, Bobby," said the caption. Haha .. He's WRONG! I'm gonna be one! =D

The day they took the magazine picture I wore neatly plaited braids. I was playing in a large high school auditorium Seated across from me was an American man, about the same age as Lau Po. I remember that his sweaty brow seemed to weep at my every move.

In my crisp pink-and-white dress, I clasped my hands under my chin, the delicate points of my elbows poised lightly on the table. (That was what Mum taught me) I swung my shoes back and forth, then I would pause, suck in my lips, twirl my chosen piece in midair as if undecided, and then firmly plant it in its new place, with a smile thrown back at my opponent for good measure. (That's the way to scare your opponents! haha)

Mum's nagging at me again .. Byeess!

Tata~
Waverly