A Collection of Short Stories

The Clock Of Life

Tick, tock, tick, tock

Ray stood on the steep hill, looking at th huge clock at the land beyond him.

The clock was moving, it's three huge hands moving stimulatingly across a huge circle that was glowing blue. At the centre of the clock was a castle, separated from the rest of the cities across the island. It was dark as night with 12 tall spires that reached the clouds above him. It had a spooky feeling that chilled Ray down to the bone.

The Clock Of Life. Finally in front of him.

Ray had searched this place for years, through the dense forests, to humid deserts, to rainy places. And finally across the sea onto an unknown island.

He wanted to know whether his parents were alive. The last time he saw them were the hospital, where they were quarantined due to the plague that took the whole population.

He still missed his mother scent, roses and lavenders blending together. He also missed his father's laugh that echoed in his head every single second. He was determined to find them.

He walked across the field, damp plants crushed under his foot. Towards the minute hand, which was stationary.

He stepped on the minute hand just as the second hand swooped in front of him, making him to take a step back in reflex. He stepped on the minute hand and walked hunched, looking left and right with every single step tingled with fear.

Suddenly, the minute hand moved with a huge thud. He nearly lost his balanced if it wasn't for his hand on the hand. He let out a sigh and continued.

And saw the second hand coming to him.

He calculated the distance between the minute hand and the second hand, while thinking feverishly on how to avoid it.

3 feet away.

2 feet away.

1 feet away.

He laid down on the minute hand. The second hand passed him, the hand passing through his hair.

Just a hair breath away, he thought.

This continued for a few times, and he was dead tired when he reached the center of the clock. His breath came out as small white fluffy clouds.

He looked up towards the towers. The tower was made of million of bricks, each with a history carved on it. He could see the historical events that changed the world. The War of the Roses. The 100 Years War. World War 1 and 2. His fingers brushed through the bricks, whispering the historical events that happened throughout the years.

He walked towards the castle with slow steps. The moon high above the sky cast a spotlight on the castle, illuminating the dark castle. Wisps of blue showered the castle with bright white sparks, like fireworks. The doors leading to the castle was enormous, towering over him like a tall muscular giant.

As if the door sensed his presence, the doors opened to him, revealing a long corridor which stretched out. He walked on the soft carpet while looking in awe of the tall ceilings and the crystallizing chandeliers hung up.

Sitting in front of him was an old man with a wizard hat that showed flashing pictures of the world. The old man had crystal blue eyes and had a grey long beard. He wore a long blue billowing cloak thay swayed with a single movement.

" Hello, Ray. " the wizard said.

" Wait, how do you know my name? " Ray said.

" I know everyone. "

Ray gaped at him. Of course, the wizard was the Wizard of Time, he would knew everyone.

" I want to know whether my parents are alive. "

" Do you miss them as much as they love you? "

" Yes, " Ray said with a hint of sadness. He couldn't wait to see them.

" Your heart is true. Follow me. " the wizard gestured him to follow him towards the left tunnel.

He turned left and he was greeted by petals fluttering around him, the scent of lavenders and roses and lilies overwhelmed him. He felt a pang of sadness as it reminded him of his mother.

Past the petals, there were a bunch of clocks.

" Ray. " the wizard voice echoed through his mind.

He turned and saw the wizard holding two hand clocks, each with a polished gold surface.

" Your parents are still alive, but their time is nearing an end. "

Ray felt a small hope fluttering inside him.

" Take it, Ray. Let it give you hope that they are still alive. "

" Thank-ank you. " Ray stuttered.

" Dawn is near. Another day starts. Another day of significant events. Goodbye, Ray. I hope I can see you in the future. " the wizard rasped.

" Thank you. " Ray bowed.

He felt his mind spin and he fell on the damp grass. He stood up quickly and saw nothing but a yawning green field. There was no sign of the 12 towers, no sign of the gigantic moving clock, no sign of the wizard.

As if it was a dream.

Ray held the two clocks with white knuckles. He was glad that they were alive. He turned away from the field, and walked back to his boat at the end of the island.

When he reached home 8 days later, the clocks stopped moving.