The clock above the door stopped at 11:47.
Daniel noticed it while locking up the antique shop. He’d mentioned it to the owner several times, but old clocks were temperamental things, apparently.
A knock interrupted him.
An elderly man stood outside, holding a small wooden box.
“Sorry,” Daniel said. “We’re closed.”
“I won’t keep you long. I’d like you to repair this.”
Daniel unlocked the door.
The man placed the box on the counter. Inside was a pocket watch, its glass cracked and its hands frozen at 11:47.
“What’s wrong with it?” Daniel asked.
“It won’t let me leave.”
Daniel looked up.
“Sorry?”
The man smiled awkwardly. “I’ve tried everything. Winding it, shaking it, taking it apart. It always returns to this time.”
Daniel examined the watch. On the inside of the lid, someone had engraved a name.
Daniel Mercer.
His stomach tightened.
“That’s my name.”
“I know.”
“Who gave you this?”
The old man ignored the question. “There’s something else you should know. When the watch starts ticking again, don’t let it reach midnight.”
Daniel laughed nervously. “Why?”
“Because that’s when the appointment ends.”
The old man pushed a folded piece of paper across the counter.
“Read that when I’m gone.”
Before Daniel could ask another question, the man turned and walked towards the door.
“Wait! You haven’t paid!”
The bell above the door rang.
Nobody was outside.
Daniel unfolded the paper. It contained a single sentence:
You have already met me. Tomorrow, you’ll understand.
He glanced at the watch.
The second hand moved.
Tick.
Daniel dropped it.
The cracked glass repaired itself. The hands began moving backwards.
Then the shop door opened.
A young man walked in, soaked from the rain, looking rather confused.
“Sorry,” he said. “I’m looking for an antique pocket watch. Apparently, it was left here years ago.”
Daniel stared at him.
The young man looked exactly like Daniel.
Only twenty years younger.
“What’s your name?” Daniel whispered.
The young man smiled.
“Daniel Mercer.”
The clock above the door began ticking.
11:48.
The younger Daniel looked at the watch on the counter.
“Oh, good,” he said. “You’ve found it.”
Daniel stepped backwards.
“Found what?”
“The thing that brings me here.”
He picked up the watch and examined the engraving.
Then he looked at Daniel.
“Funny. I was told I’d meet an old man tonight.”
Daniel felt the blood drain from his face.
The younger man checked his wristwatch.
“Anyway, I’d better go. I’ve got an appointment.”
“With whom?”
The young man opened the door.
“With you.”
The bell rang.
Daniel was alone again.
On the counter lay the wooden box.
Inside was the pocket watch, frozen at 11:47.
And beside it was a new receipt.
Dated twenty years earlier.
One pocket watch sold to Daniel Mercer.
Payment received.
One lifetime.
Daniel looked up at the clock.
It was still 11:47.
Then, for the first time, he noticed the small inscription beneath its face.
Some appointments are made before you are born.
And from somewhere behind him, a familiar voice whispered:
“Sorry I’m late.”
THE END
