The Hidden Bicycle

The day on Level 1008 passes slowly.Hana is still shoveling coal, the steam rising, and the broom buzzing around everywhere.But the mood has shifted.
The broom keeps muttering under its breath, but this time, it’s cheerful:
– “If you hadn’t dumped that bucket… pfff… I’d be ashes right now! Ashes!”– “You’re an angel! A little no-fire-dropping angel!”– “You know what? I actually want to work again!”
Hana smiles. Slowly, the exhaustion starts to fade from her body.
The broom spins through the steam and suddenly points toward the back stairs.
– “Hey! Behind that metal step, there’s something. Go see.”
Hana goes. She bends down.Through the steam, the darkness, and a bunch of rusty pipes, she sees a small, old bicycle.Leather seat, bent handlebar, slightly warped wheels…But still intact.
Tied to the handle is a strip of ribbon.Written on it in a child’s handwriting:
“For the one who’s going… but will come back.”
Hana gently pulls out the bike. Dust scatters to the ground.The broom chirps with joy:
– “That… the witch had hidden it from me.Now it’s yours.”
The tiny flute from the night before is hanging around her neck.
The air begins to darken.
A faint red glow from the boiler lights up her face.The broom stands by the door and softly whispers:
– “Don’t forget…When the clock hits twelve…Everything stops… and you can move.”