Time Stops and the Chase Begins

This flow follows the moment time halts, the Gray Men's panic, and Momo's pursuit through the frozen city.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Doors Opened

Doors Opened A Necessary Preparation Momo opens the small door bearing Professor Hora's name and then forces open the bronze entrance to Never Lane. She waits in the clock hall with Cassiopeia and the hour-lily. The task seems simple compared with the dangers ahead, but it ensures that the Gray Men can enter after time stops. Momo has to prepare the route even though she does not yet know exactly what will happen.

A Timequake

A Timequake The World Falls Still A timequake passes through Nowhere House, and every clock stops. Momo finds an hour-lily in her hand, while the breakfast table and its contents have become immovable. Time's stillness is not an ordinary silence but a condition that suspends everything except Momo and Cassiopeia. The flower is now her limited means of acting within a frozen world.

The Gray Men Enter

The Gray Men Enter Panic in the Clock Hall The Gray Men stream into Nowhere House and mistake it for a new headquarters. They soon realize that the clocks, hourglasses, and the entire world have stopped, cutting off their supply of new time. Their confident organization gives way to panic as they fear their cigars will run out. Momo watches from hiding and understands that the plan has begun, though the agents are already moving toward the door.

A Flight Through Stillness

A Flight Through Stillness A Chase Across a Frozen City The Gray Men flee toward their store, fighting over the cigars that keep them alive. Momo follows through streets frozen with drivers, birds, falling leaves, and water suspended in motion. The city becomes a landscape of interrupted gestures, making the Gray Men's hurried movement look grotesque. Their dwindling supply gradually reduces their numbers as they run.

Beppo Seen Again

Beppo Seen Again A Reunion Impossible for Now Momo spots Beppo standing motionless with his worn broom and runs to embrace him, only to collide with a body frozen in time. She has found him but cannot make him respond. The encounter briefly threatens to stop Momo's pursuit through grief. Cassiopeia tells her to keep going, reminding her that the living time she carries must be used before it runs out.

just before Professor Hora's sleep takes effect

moments after Professor Hora leaves

shortly after time stops

minutes after the Gray Men leave Nowhere House

during Momo's pursuit through the city