This close to smothered mate
In the center of the board;
Material advantage choking.
Timely prophylaxis led to long walk.
Slipping away. Surviving.
Always a way out.
Prescribed combination working.
Too slowly? Net tightening fast.
Cannot resign. Not now. Not ever.
Cannot sacrifice for breathing room.
What win will that be anyway?
Have to draw it out. Infinite checks.
Have to be one move ahead.
Just one is enough.