Time, relentless and impartial, had carved lines into Thomas Avery’s face. His hair had turned completely silver, and though his spirit remained unyielding, his hands trembled when he held tools. The workshop, once a cramped attic, had grown into a bustling community hall where apprentices and villagers repaired machines, shared knowledge, and dreamed of improvements. Thomas no longer led every repair; instead, he watched, advised, and told stories of when it all began.