On Halloween, Copper Street shimmered with lights and masks. Mila made her way through the crowd, holding a torch and a map of houses. Next to her was her younger brother, Tymek, a pirate in an oversized coat. They had only one house left on the map. It was marked with a purple marker, with no lamps or music. - 'The Clockmaker's house,' whispered Mila, herself not knowing why. Time was said to sneeze and go crooked there. - Trick or treat? - Tymek made a very serious face. The porch trellis was ajar and the pumpkins glowed blue. On the crate stood a bowl with a note and something shiny. Mila read the writing in capital letters: Take the key, if you can. On the bottom lay a brass key in the shape of a leaf. Tymek touched it carefully and the key rang like a coin. In the distance, the town clock struck twelve, then thirteen. - It's not thirteen! - Tymek looked at his sister from under his hat. Mila felt the sound tickle her neck and fingers. Behind the house they found a low gate in a ligustrum hedge. On the beam was the same branch as on the key. The wind scoured the leaves like cards, but it was quiet here. Mila slid the key into the lock, and the metal was warmer. They looked cautiously through the crack as something twinkled there. At the same moment a ringing sounded from the other side. The key moved of its own accord and the lock clicked once and again. Mila held her breath as the wicket began to slowly....