Dendrite
The Clockmaker’s Orchard
At the edge of town stands an orchard where **every tree bears clocks instead of fruit**. Brass gears click beneath the bark; wooden hands crawl across porcelain dials. A sign at the rusty gate reads: > “Pick wisely—each tick costs a memory.” You tuck your satchel closer, the twilight wind smelling faintly of engine oil and apples. --- ### Which branch will you reach for first?
- Pluck the **shimmering silver pocket-watch** dangling from the lowest limb.
- Climb higher to claim the **grandfather clock** swaying daringly among the leaves.
- Listen for the **quietest tick** and choose whatever timepiece hides behind it.
- Step back and **wind** the oldest tree’s key, just to see what happens.
By Gearwright