Episode 45: Time-Freezing Stopwatch

The shop bell jingled — hesitantly, like it wasn't sure if it should commit to the sound. In walked a woman who looked like she had survived one too many family reunions. Her hair was perfectly styled, but her eyes held the thousand-yard stare of someone who'd heard "So when are you getting married?" a few dozen times too many.

Felix glanced up. "Welcome to the shop! What can we do for you? Need a love potion, a curse, or maybe a potion that makes your mother-in-law less judgmental?"

The woman sighed. "If you have that last one, I'll take a gallon. But no, I need something else. Something… stronger."

Zira tilted her head. "Stronger than a mother-in-law neutralizer? Yikes. What're we dealing with?"

The woman leaned on the counter. "Family dinners."

Felix winced. "Ah. Say no more."

The woman continued. "I need a stopwatch that can freeze time. But — and this is important — only during awkward family moments. Like when Uncle Darren starts talking about conspiracy theories, or Grandma asks me if I've gained weight, again."

Felix nodded slowly. "So… a 'Pause the Cringe' button?"

"Exactly."

Felix grinned. "I love it. Let's make some magic."

---

One Stopwatch, Two Time Loops, and an Accidental Chicken Rewind Later...

Felix plopped a sleek, silver stopwatch on the counter. It hummed faintly, radiating the soft energy of someone who knew how to mind their business.

"Alright. Here's your Awkward Pause Stopwatch. It's attuned to your personal discomfort level. The more unbearable the moment, the faster it kicks in."

The woman eyed it warily. "And it won't freeze me too?"

Felix shook his head. "Nope. You're immune. Everyone else? Statues. You get a breather, stretch, maybe swipe a dessert off the table before Aunt Carol starts her annual 'Why don't you have kids yet?' interrogation."

The woman picked it up, curious. "How do I start it?"

"Just click the top when the awkwardness hits peak intensity."

Zira grinned. "Want to test it out?"

The woman hesitated. "...Can I imagine a scenario instead of living one? I'm not emotionally prepared for a test-run family dinner."

Felix nodded. "Go for it. Picture the worst one."

The woman closed her eyes. "Okay… Uncle Darren just said the moon landing was faked… Grandma's asking if I'm 'seeing anyone special'… and Mom's offering me diet tips even though I didn't ask."

Click.

The room froze. Felix and Zira were mid-blink, stuck like awkward mannequins. Even the shop cat was mid-yawn, frozen with its tongue out like an idiot.

The woman's eyes widened. "It works."

She walked around the shop, poking Felix on the forehead. He wobbled but didn't budge. Zira's smirk stayed frozen, mid-eye roll.

After a solid minute of enjoying the peace and quiet, she clicked the stopwatch again.

The shop snapped back to life.

Felix stumbled slightly. "...Did you poke me?"

The woman smiled sweetly. "Nope."

Felix narrowed his eyes. "Feels like you poked me."

Zira leaned in. "She definitely poked you."

The woman grinned. "I'll take it. Do you have a warranty?"

Felix blinked. "Well, if it breaks, just bring it back. Though, fair warning — the last guy who froze time too long accidentally gave his cat a PhD in economics."

The woman laughed, paid, and left the shop looking lighter than when she came in.