Moments of Regret

The old clock shop sat at the quietest corner of the street, its windows dusty and its door always

unlocked. Aarav wandered in one rainy afternoon, only to escape the storm.

Inside, hundreds of clocks ticked in uneven rhythm, like a crowd whispering

secrets. An old man behind the counter smiled. “Looking for time?” he asked.

Aarav laughed nervously. “Just waiting for it to pass.” The man handed him a small silver watch.

“This one shows moments you regret.” Before Aarav could refuse, the watch clicked

open. Suddenly, the shop vanished. He stood in his childhood home,

watching himself ignore his father’s call to play, choosing instead a glowing phone