Thief of Time - Tablecloth

Death walked up to a table that had been set for dinner, and gripped a corner of the tablecloth.

TIME IS THE CLOTH, HE SAID. THE CUTLERY AND PLATES ARE THE EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE WITHIN TIME—

There was a drum roll. Susan glanced down. The Death of Rats was seated in front of a tiny drum kit.

OBSERVE.

Death pulled the cloth away. There was a rattle of cutlery and a moment of uncertainty regarding a vase of flowers, but almost all the tableware remained in place.

“I see,” said Susan.

THE TABLE REMAINS SET, BUT THE CLOTH CAN NOW BE USED FOR ANOTHER MEAL.

“However, you knocked the salt over,” said Susan.

THE TECHNIQUE IS NOT PERFECT.

“And there are stains on the cloth from the previous meal, Grandfather.”

***

The Thief of Time - p89