A Bad Idea

Milo’s fingers hovered above the little screws of his sister’s alarm clock. The shiny silver casing seemed to wink up at him, daring him to explore. He couldn’t resist; he never could.

With his tiny screwdriver, he loosened the screws, lifting the back cover slowly. Gears and springs lay inside, a hidden world. He poked one with his finger, watching it wobble before springing back into place.

Just as Milo leaned closer, his sister’s voice cut through the quiet.

“Milo! Is that my clock?” she gasped, eyes wide.

“Uh...I was just—”

“Milo, you took it apart!”

She reached for it, and the pieces scattered, rolling in all directions.

“Now it’s really broken!” Her cheeks flushed as she glared at him.

Milo’s shoulders slumped. He glanced down at the scattered parts, feeling a mix of guilt and disappointment twist in his stomach.