Raspberry Street watchmakers
It all started on a cloudy afternoon when Adam and Lena, returning from school, turned into the side street Raspberry Street, almost forgotten. Most of the children in their neighbourhood avoided the place by a wide margin, as apparently no one had ever seen anyone living in these old tenements. However, Adam and Lena were not among those who give in easily to boredom.
They stopped in front of a strange, narrow shop whose shop window was drowning in semi-darkness. A faded sign hung above the door: "Clockmakers - we repair more than just clocks". Inside was an indescribable mess: the shelves were bent under the weight of watches, sundials, sand timers and ones they didn't even know how to name. The air carried with it the scent of dust and cinnamon.
Lena was the first to grab the door handle.
- Do you think it's OK to go in? - She asked in a whisper.
- Why, are you afraid? - Adam smiled defiantly.
Before Lena had time to answer, the door swung open of its own accord and a sort of soft, melodious sound came from inside.
There was no one in the shop. The light was scattered in the dust, creating colourful streaks. In the midst of the piles of clocks stood a table, and on it was spread a huge, antique clock with a pendulum. On its dial were mysterious symbols they had never seen in any book.
- Look! - Lena pointed with her finger to a small piece of paper stuck to the clock. On it was written: "Whoever can read time can change it".
Before they had time to think about what this meant, the clock started ticking faster and faster. The hands whirled at a frenetic pace, and all around them echoes of old conversations, the laughter of unfamiliar voices and whispers echoed.
Suddenly, the world swirled and Adam and Lena felt the floor remove itself from under their feet. They hugged each other tightly, trying to control their fear. At the same moment, an old woman with silver hair braided into a braid stepped out from behind the bookcases and smiled mysteriously.
- Welcome, little travellers. Before you can return to where you came from, you must complete one task.... - She said quietly, and light sparks danced in her eyes.
Adam looked at Lena. They both knew that what awaited them was incomparably more extraordinary than anything they had ever read about or dreamed of at night. The door behind them closed of its own accord with a quiet click, and the shop was filled with a new tune....
Author of this ending:
English
polski
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