"Time, something so intangible and mysterious. I recall it as clear as day when I was just heading over to high school, but to think time would take it all from me. Time just flows smoothly, but like a big river, it submerges all memories and takes it all away along with the waves. Sigh, an old sigh that seemed to contain the vicissitudes of life, resounded in the hospital ward.
Kranos looked outside of the ward through the transparent window; there he could see his children and his grandchildren; his aged face seemed to contain an imperceptible smile. After living for a couple of decades, he was now 90 years old.
He was at the last moments of his life; he could feel it. It was said that when you're on your deathbed, you would feel when your soul slowly leaves your body, and at this moment he could sense that feeling.
"So it is that time." He slowly raised his aged hand; although his body was weak, he could manage to do this much. Something that looked like an antique, silvery pocket watch, as small as his palm size, rested on his palm.
"If what the legends say is true, this would give me the ability to control time in my next life," he sighed, although he didn't fully believe this; there was nothing he could do about it. He was already about to die; he might as well just have a little hope before he left this world.
After gazing at it for a few moments, he closed his eyes; his breathing slowed down vividly, and he placed the watch on his heart. Although he wasn't fully hopeful, he couldn't help but make a wish, an old man's dying wish.
The moment he placed the watch on his heart, it stopped beating.
Beep…
The machine measuring his pulse turned into a straight line alerting his family members outside.
"Dad!"
"Grandpa!"
Loud shouts were heard from outside the room, "Doctor! My father is not breathing!!! Do something, anything!"
The doctor that had just rushed after a button was pressed rushed into the room to check Kranos' vitals; after a few minutes, he sighed and replied, "There is nothing that can be done; he is dead. I'm sorry for your loss."
"No!" Kranos' first son groaned in pain as he stared at his father's body that was slowly turning cold. The next moment he sighed, then bowed, ignoring the cries of his siblings, wife, and children. He bowed and said, "I wish you a safe journey in your next life."
What nobody could see was a slight vanishing trace of golden light where Kranos previously placed his hand; the antique watch was nowhere to be seen!