Watch

It was always the last thing he did before sleep. Always had been, from boarding school to today at Elms View Retirement Home.

It was usually done in bed, teetering on his left hip (new in 1992)

Watch wound before lights out. Funny how things from youth return to us later. He found comfort ending the day with those five swift twists.

Except tonight.

Arthur'd felt a bit queer and had gone to bed early. Had even missed pudding. (Jam roly poly with custard.)

He thought about the watch, but then lay back on his bed.

Just for a moment.