The Watchmaker and The Christmas Watch
Once upon a Christmas Eve, in the snow-covered hamlet of Erindale, lived a poor watchmaker named Magnus. His shop was tiny, filled with ticking clocks, pocket watches, and small gears. Magnus was elderly, his back bent from years of labor, his fingers gnarled but elegant from intricate work. Though he owned little, Magnus had a heart of gold and a spirit unwavering.
Among the townsfolk, Magnus was known for his unique skill to create the most ingenious timepieces. Yet, there was one watch in his showcase, the Erindale Watch that everyone in the village adored. It was said to have a magical ability - to make the deepest desire of its holder come true on Christmas Eve.
As the festive season arrived, a wealthy, self-centered merchant, Wallace, came by the hamlet. Considering the villagers' tales, he coveted the Erindale Watch. However, Magnus, who saw through Wallace's selfish intentions, refused to sell it. This decision irked Wallace, but he left, swearing to get the watch by hook or by crook.
On Christmas Eve, Magnus locked the shop and walked around, distributing gifts to the villagers, just as he did every year. Meanwhile, Wallace broke into the shop and stole the Erindale Watch.
At midnight, Wallace held the watch aloft and whispered his desire, 'Infinite wealth.' As soon as he said those words, he was surrounded by shiny gold coins. He cackled with delight but soon realized he was trapped in a pile of never-ceasing coin flow that began to fill the room.
Back in the hamlet, Magnus returned to his shop and found it in shambles. The Erindale Watch was missing. Overwhelmed with sadness, he sat among his scattered clocks. Suddenly, an old, dusty clock struck twelve, and Magnus was teleported to Wallace's room.
Reading Magnus' surprised expression, Wallace pleaded with him, 'Help me, I am trapped. I wished for infinite wealth, but this… this is a curse! Please make it stop.' If any other person saw their enemy in such a situation, they might gloat, but not Magnus.
He approached Wallace with a gentle smile, 'You have wished upon a watch that judges the heart. Your selfless desires become blessings, whereas selfish ones turn into lessons.' With deep sincerity in his eyes, Magnus added, 'Do you now see the folly of your greed, my friend?'
Wallace swallowed the lump in his throat and lightly nodded. Magnus then took the Erindale Watch from the pile of coins and made a true, selfless wish for everything to return to normal. The heap of coins disappeared, and Wallace was freed from his prison of gold.
The watchmaker returned to Erindale, leaving behind a changed man. From that day, Wallace altered his ways. He used his wealth for good, helping those in need. In the quiet hamlet of Erindale, cheers and Christmas carols filled the air, while Magnus, the humble watchmaker, continued to mend watches and hearts alike.