1The traffic light turned red as the cars screeched to a halt on Central Boulevard. Sofia hurried across the street toward a stout brick building with a weathered “open” sign in front indicating that a business was in operation, even though the building looked like it hadn’t been renovated for decades and was in danger of toppling over. Sofia checked the tattered sign above the door to make sure she was in the right place. Though “The Aasen Brthers Watch and Jewelry Repar” sign was missing a few letters, it confirmed her destination.
2Sofia peered inside the shop for signs of movement, but the grimy windows obscured her sight. Fighting a sense of foreboding, she remembered reading the Internet reviews that claimed the Aasen brothers had repaired watches and jewelry for over five decades. Supposedly they were the best in the business and specialized in restoration and repair of antique pieces, and Sofia needed the best. She grasped the brass doorknob and entered the shop, a bell announcing her arrival.
3Despite a dim ray of sunlight streaming in through the window, the interior of the shop was dark and cluttered with boxes, and the jewelry counters sat empty. Sofia tried to conjure an image of the shop in its heyday, busy with well-heeled customers browsing the merchandise, but the dust and musty smell hindered her imagination. She was seconds away from turning around to leave when an elderly man suddenly appeared.
4“Can I help you, miss?” the man asked, his voice feeble but his eyes hopeful.
5As the man approached, Sofia noticed a second individual crouched over a desk along the wall. His wrinkled hands held a small instrument resembling a pair of tweezers over an intricate piece of jewelry, an ancient gold pocket watch with inlaid rhinestones. Sofia clutched the package she held in her hands, reminded of its precious contents.
6“Hello,” Sofia responded. “Something’s wrong with my watch. I heard through various sources that you are the best at repairing watches. Um . . . do you still do it?”
7“Of course, but we don’t get many these days,” the man explained. “I handle jewelry repair, and my brother Paul repairs timepieces,” he said, nodding toward the man at the desk.
8Sofia waited for Paul to address her, but he continued working in stone-faced silence. After a few moments, she cleared her throat and approached his desk hesitantly. “Excuse me, sir, my watch, it has stopped working, and I’d like to get it fixed.”
9Paul methodically placed the tweezers on his desk, and slowly removed the magnifying glasses he was wearing, setting them aside. “Let’s see what you’ve got,” he responded emotionlessly.
10“It was a gift from my great-aunt,” she began nervously, her voice suddenly trembling. “Her mother in England gave it to her. It’s very precious to me.”
11Paul took the watch from Sofia and examined it carefully. “You certainly don’t see watches like this anymore,” he said almost angrily. “I’m surprised you want to repair it instead of tossing it out.”
12Sofia wasn’t sure how to respond. Why would she consider throwing away her great-aunt’s watch? She whirled around as the other man rushed over.
13“Don’t pay any attention to him,” he said quickly. “Of course we can fix it. It’s a lovely piece, really.” Then he turned to Paul. “Right, Paul?”
14Paul grunted. “Probably just a broken gear, Richard. I’ll be back.” He picked up the watch and ambled to the back of the store.
15Richard turned to Sofia. “I have to apologize for my brother. You see, we don’t get much traffic now that people have so-called modern technology. Things have changed. In fact, we may have to close shop,” he explained softly.
16Sofia glanced around the disheveled shop. It wasn’t exactly surprising to hear this considering its appearance, but she found it disheartening that these men were losing their livelihood. “Have you thought about selling contemporary watches?” she inquired.
17Paul returned from the back of the shop holding a small package along with Sofia’s watch. Without a word, he assumed his position at the desk and resumed his work. Sofia couldn’t help but believe that Paul was a major reason the shop was in trouble.
18“So, do you think we’ll have this young lady’s watch working today?” Richard prompted his brother.
19Paul was focusing so hard that he almost dropped his tweezers when his brother spoke. Didn’t Richard realize that such precise repairs require concentration? Without so much as an upward glance, he snapped, “Yes.”
20Sofia observed the men’s interaction uncomfortably. “I can come back if it will take a while . . .” she trailed off. Paul ignored her, and Sofia stood awkwardly in the grim silence. She watched Paul’s hands move slowly but deftly as he opened the watch and worked in the tiny compartment. She noticed Richard glance wistfully at Paul as he completed the work, a distant look in his eyes. “You know, watches are almost dinosaurs,” Paul said, replacing the back of the watch and snapping it tight. “People would rather throw things away than repair them. You should cherish this—it’s a piece of history,” he commented, standing up and handing her the watch.
21Sofia was surprised at Paul’s sudden engagement. Repairing her watch seemed to lift his previously surly mood. Sofia placed the watch on her wrist and gazed at the second hand ticking away its endless circle, like new.
22Richard presented her with a bill, which Sofia paid. “Thanks for coming in, miss,” he told her. “We hope to see you again.”
23Sofia felt much obliged for their help. When she turned to leave, she felt as though the shop had become much brighter, as if a dark cloud had suddenly dissipated.