The Time Keeper

From Dor’s first measurement of shadows, time evolved into an industry and divided the world into zones. Wondering what time it is became basic vocabulary throughout the world. When he arrives in the city of his destiny, he knows that the two voices will converge around time, so he finds work in a clock shop and waits for them to find him.

Victor visits a clock shop and requests the oldest pocket watch they have. It is a few weeks before Christmas, and he has decided to buy himself a timepiece. He will have it stopped when he is frozen and then restarted when he is reanimated. He thinks it will be a good investment, since if it is an antique now it will be worth more in the future. The old man at the counter calls his apprentice to help. The apprentice (Dor) appears to be in his mid-30s with uneven brown hair. The apprentice closes his eyes and thinks about the oldest pocket watch they have, and Victor, somewhat impatient, asks that the man to “not take a lifetime” and then chuckles to himself, “[o]r another lifetime” (110). The apprentice, recognizing the phrase “another lifetime,” opens his eyes.