“Why don’t you try to think? Just leave this place and get help if you really have no other choice.” With that, Frank did not press the issue and kept playing against the tramp, and the game ended in a draw.

The tramp was at once surprised and delighted. “I won’t lie-I’m surprised you’re this good, since I’ve always bullied everyone from the village!”

Frank smiled wry amusement. “You’re good too-I’m at least a grandmaster, and you still managed to hold me to a draw.”

The tramp nodded. “You’re right-I have to agree, and you’re not the first person to say that either. It’s weird… whether it’s smartphones, computers, or even tractors, I always take to it like fish to water. Don’t you think that’s weird?”

Frank shrugged as he cleared the pieces and stood up. “Come with me. Staying here gets you nowhere, and you know how nice the villagers are. You’re screwed if they somehow reach out to your family by chance someday.”

The tramp smiled but shook her head-Frank was speaking sense, but he was still just a stranger to her, and simply going with him just did not make sense.

Frank could see that much. “Are you worried that I’d hurt you?”