"But she is making an effort to know herself, the good and the bad, through the bright days and cloudy skies like the one above her. She is an orphan, but she is a daughter too, she is a friend, she is trying so hard not to be an addict. In certain circles, she is somewhat famous. She might be in love. And she probably wouldn’t be who she is if Mr Shaibel had not told her she is astounding, with the faith and confidence of someone saying the grass is green, under the blinding lightbulb that hung above their chessboard."

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When Beth returns from Moscow, she has to say 'hello' to a chess player in a tiny apartment in New York City and 'goodbye' to another one in a graveyard in Kentucky.

She hopes she has made them both proud.