It was raining and Maja was bored at her grandmother's house. In the attic she found an old silver pocket watch. It had no strap, just a thin chain like a bracelet. The watch ticked strangely, as if it was counting the seconds backwards. Maja pressed the only button and closed her eyes. She heard a noise, like the wind in a bottle. The room faded and the window turned into a gate. Outside the glass flashed umbrellas, carts and hats. There were no cars in the street, only horses. Grandma's voice came like a radio: "Just be careful!" Maja stood on the stone pavement, holding the chain tight. A boy in a short coat stopped next to her. He looked at his watch and smiled broadly. "I've been waiting for you because the clock chose a sitter." A bell rang in the distance and the ground shook slightly. A second hand slid out of the watch, showing the gate. "We have to go in before the minute is up!" said the boy. Maja took a breath and took the first step into the light. Just behind her, something rustled and the air solidified.