Evening Watch

Returning inside from the balcony as night settled, I noticed a forgotten brass wristwatch left unclasped on the nightstand. Its metal links lay tangled awkwardly across the ticking face, obscuring the steady rotation of the hands. I stepped forward and took the cool chain in both hands, untwisting the loop with deliberate care. Spreading the band flat along the dark walnut wood, I positioned the dial upright so its face could breathe. A keeper of hours deserves unhindered motion while the household sleeps.