Aggravation

He moved back onto the board, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "Okay," he said. "Your turn. But don't get too comfortable—I'm eyeing that shortcut now."

"Six!" Maya chirped, sliding her red marble out of the starting gate. "Watch out, Eli. I’m coming for that shortcut." aggravation

Elias looked at the dice. He realized he’d been spending more energy being annoyed at the "clack" of the marble than he had on the next move. He picked up the cup, gave it a single, sharp shake, and let the dice fly. He moved back onto the board, a small

Maya stopped laughing, her hand hovering over the board. "Eli, it’s the name of the game. If I don’t bump you, you win. If I bump you, we both keep playing." But don't get too comfortable—I'm eyeing that shortcut now

Elias felt the heat rise to his neck. "That was completely unnecessary. You had another move that wouldn't have bumped me."

"It’s frustrating to start over," Elias said quietly, looking at his lone marble back at the start.