The Pendulum Time and time again. Swoosh. The great pendulum swung, searing a trail in the glare of the orange sky. Swoosh. The children were gathered beneath it, watching it and holding hands. This was their first time seeing the pendulum. Swoosh. The teacher stood behind them at a distance. Working in schools was a dangerous profession, thanks to repeated exposure to the pendulum. But it paid well. Swoosh. Very well. Time and time again. Swoosh. The sun slowly dropped beneath the horizon. Swooosh. Now the pendulum glowed with a faint golden light that trailed up and down its shell like a network of veins. Swoooosh. The light pulsed faintly. Swooooosh. Some of the children began to close their eyes and lay down. Those who remained awake groped beside them for a neighbour’s hand. Small grunts and yawns bubbled throughout the mass of bodies. Swoooooosh. The teacher stifled her own yawn. Swooooooosh. The pendulum stopped.
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