Time Comes to Life

The grandfather clock stood silently in the corner of the dark room. It had sat in that old house for decades, dutifully counting the hours, the minutes, the seconds that passed since the moment its maker put its pendulum in motion.

But one day, after so many years of faithful service, the pendulum finally stopped.

And the instant it did, on the point where its hands met in the very center of its face, there appeared a minuscule speck. The speck grew as it pushed itself out of the clock, escaping the prison that had held it all its life.

With one final shove, the little being broke free from the clock. It dropped and, just before hitting the floor, discovered its brand-new wings. The being flapped hard and managed to slow down its fall so that it landed gently on the floor.

The little thing peered up at its former prison, tilting its head slightly, wondering how such an evil thing could look so beautiful. As it reflected, the being shook itself awake, stretching its arms, legs, and wings, feeling itself come alive.

And it was alive. It leaped into the air and tried out its wings, shrieking with joy as it learned how to fly.

Yes, the clock had stopped, and Time had come to life.