By: Gideon P. Smith.

The loom rattled rhythmically, ticking like a clock. Kyfros toed the treadle, lifting the warp, shuttling the weft. When one thread broke, Kyfros knotted on another, keeping the weave running.

Complete, his master ran a finger critically over his creation. “It’s beautiful, but small with many errors. You’re sure it’s your graduation piece?”

Kyfros nodded, holding his breath.

His master shrugged. “Congratulations.”

Kyfros exhaled, exultant.

“But for time-weavers, graduation pieces represent their own life’s timeline.”

Kyfros stared at every knot, every broken thread. His own life? Suddenly it seemed smaller, less glorious. He wished he’d failed and could try again.

© 2024. Gideon P. Smith

Gideon P. Smith has written for SFWA, BSFA Focus Magazine, Wyldblood Magazine, Troopers Quarterly and anthologies from Black Hare Press, Shacklebound, and Fairfield Scribes. They were a 2023 NESFA short story competition and a 2024 Writers of the Future finalist.

Posted November 13, 2024.