Knocker-Up
In the pre-dawn light, the Knocker-Up makes their rounds, a long wooden stick in hand, tapping on windows to rouse those who cannot afford to oversleep. Their job is a curious mix of precision and patience, ensuring each client is awakened at the correct time, rain or shine. The Knocker-Up navigates the labyrinth of alleyways and streets with a familiarity that comes from years of service. Though their work is simple, it is vital, especially in an age where clocks are a luxury. With a sharp rap of their stick on a windowpane, the day begins for the sleeping town, the Knocker-Up moving swiftly to the next house, a quiet yet necessary figure in the daily routine.