A Measure of Seconds

Returning indoors from the lace workshop into the quiet evening, my attention settled upon an open pocket watch resting on the bedside table. Its hinged brass lid stood propped back, revealing a pale enamel face shielded beneath domed glass. Stepping across the dark oak grain, I placed both palms against the cool perimeter of the casing. Within, the slender blued-steel seconds hand advanced in measured, rhythmic increments, its steady mechanical pulse humming faintly against the wood. Kneeling beside the dial, I leaned close to study the circular procession of numerals, letting the quiet cadence anchor the late hour in peaceful clarity.