Unwinding the Mechanism

Returning inside before night settled completely was a matter of basic protocol. On the nightstand, an analog brass alarm clock was ticking with steady, mechanical persistence. I reached behind its cold metallic casing and found the winding key for the chime mechanism. Gripping the dual prongs with both gloved hands, I braced my stance against the dark polished wood and gave it two deliberate half-turns. The spring coiled smoothly with a faint, metallic groan. Shinobu always found comfort in steady cadences to end a day. With the tempo set and the perimeter secure, I sat back against the clock's brass bell to let the hours wind down.