I hate being obsessed with time.

  Each tick of the grandfather clock keeps us aware of our mortality. The past is far and the future is near. As a professional horologist, it consumes me. Each cog and wheel I shine is a puzzle piece to time. I may be called to tend to your vintage clock, but you will be getting something unexpected from me. Perhaps I bend the golden mainspring or I slip a stolen piece of gear into my pocket and proclaim your precious timepiece is beyond repair.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  You think me a fraud, but for a short time, I’ve given you immortality.