Behind the laundromat, where there had always been a plain brick wall, Milo found a little door no taller than he was. He ducked inside. A small clockwork librarian slid a card across the counter. Tiny gears ticked inside her chest. "We lend tomorrows here," she said. "Borrow one good day from your own future and spend it today. Just return it by the deadline on the card."

Milo stopped. "What happens if I don't pay it back?" he asked. The librarian's gears slowed. "Then a day gets taken instead," she said. "And not always one you'd choose." Milo swallowed and stepped back toward the little door.