Like Clockwork (For Stuffy)

He snorted awake, his eyes widening with the action as he snuffled.

“Ah, Aspen. My apologies, I must have... dozed off.”

 

"Yes, uh..." he said, clearly a little out of it. He stood up, leaning against his cane again as he looked around thoughtfully. He cleared his throat, nodded and turned to her. "Yes. I'm going to make a cup of tea. Do you want anything?"

 

"Oh?" he asked conversationally, heading back to the kitchen area. "Did you get anything?"

The bird in the cage chirped impatiently at Aspen, extending its wings.

 

The bird landed on Aspen's head and began tugging at her hair.

"A note?" Mr. Pemberly asked over his shoulder, pulling out the tea kettle. He set it on a stone slab and the glass began to tick as gears in the base began to shift. "What kind of note?"

 

He looked down at it and took it, his brow furrowing. Something flashed in his eyes, but the rest of his face was hard to read, and after a moment, he handed it back to her.

"I don't know what that is. Where did you get it?"

 

He blinked in surprise, raising one bushy eyebrow.

"A mouse? An organic one or automaton?"

 

"Probably nothing," he said with a sniff. "Rat automatons love to cause mischief. It was probably some trash he found in the sewers and he brought it to your door. I'd throw it out, if I were you."

 

He nodded as the bell on the shop door rang. A thin old woman entered, clutching her cane. Ms. Alcolett, the owner of the bird, had evidently been waiting anxiously for the shop to open. Upon seeing the bird on Aspen's head, she relaxed.

"Oh, dear. Is she alright, Aspen?"

 

"Can I take her home?" she asked tremulously. "It's so quiet without her here."

 

She exhaled, clearly relieved.

"Oh, God. Thank you, Aspen. Thank you so much. How much do I owe you?"