Tell Me a Story | Storytelling | Stories

What Time Is It?

A short short story by Gail Berry

What Time Is It? A short story by Gail Berry

“What time is it, Grandfather? Nap time? Play time?” teased the little boy.

“I will give you an answer that you won’t understand, but maybe you’ll remember,” the old man said as he pulled the little boy onto his lap.

“All right,” said the boy.

“When I was your age, time stretched out before me — it was forever. There was time for everything. But I couldn’t wait to grow up. Then, when I grew up, time was never enough for all I had to do. And it fell away and disappeared. I was always running. Now, I am an old man, and time is short. It stretches out behind me. I can’t run any more. But finally I know, I really do know. Time is forever.”

What Time Is It? A short story by Gail Berry — Graphic design by John Kremer