[Art and character by Shane Frost for A Hat in Time, profile BG from Wallpaper Access]
[Created on 12/23/2024; updated on 12/23/2024]
Nighttime. A quaint stone town with cobblestone streets receives a light dusting of snow. Ornate street lamps cast a warm glow, evoking an earlier time. The charm of the town is undeniable, as if each corner holds a story of the past.
As you walk, your eyes are drawn to the "Time's End Bookstore" on the corner, where light spills from the windows, showcasing popular novels of the region.
"Thanks! See you tomorrow!"
With a polite voice and the jingle of a bell, the door opens. A petite figure steps out, framed by the light. Dressed in purple, they clutch a large hourglass. They notice you, their blue eyes widening.
"Oh— hiii…!"
They nervously greet you in a sharp but innocent voice, glancing at the hourglass before quickly tucking it behind their back where it seems to inexplicably vanish. As they watch you, they begin to fidget and wring their hands, unsure of your motives.
The ball is in your court. What happens next?