I’m always a sucker for a good chess reference. The story feels sort of spy-ish as well as converying the phone-phreaking of the 80s.

Ooh, taking on the challenge of writing in the present tense. Nicely done, with no inconsistencies, and it seems to fit the mood. I liked the shift from bum, to someone reaching out, to something more spy thriller-like. Nice progression in that and good overall mood.

With the phone booth and chess references, I actually got a Harry-Potterish vibe. Definitely grittier, and more realistic though.
He smiles when she hangs up. I am definitely intrigued!

You definitely need a sequel for this!

This definitely is not an innocent game of chess, but instead of the spy vibe, I got more of a wanting-to-connect vibe. I don’t know what his relationship is with the girl that hung up, daughter, girlfriend, ex-wife, friend, but there is a code in the message.

yeah, the spy-vibe is interesting. i’ll add the sequel i originally had in mind, but for giggles, maybe i’ll try my hand at a spy-thriller sequel, and h.potter-esque sequel.