The Coffin

Drevil had arranged to have the necessary tools brought into the square. The mass of people parted, allowing the equipment to snake towards the platform in an uninspiring parade. Felix could see that there were several panels which would fit together to produce the finished product. He felt a wash of relief and he relaxed.
"You understand the task," hissed Drevil.
"Yeah, I've got it." Felix replied and turned to glance at Drevil's face. There was something unusual in his expression. Drevil's eyes, dark and brooding, showed a brief glimpse of something else, a momentary reflection of his mother's concern. Felix was taken by surprise. Perhaps he had misjudged the undertaker, been swayed by his worn and melancholy appearance, been influenced unfairly by the shrilling voice. He quickly looked away.
"You have one hour, then." Drevil led Felix down the steps into the square.
"One hour from now!" Announced Hodge, importantly, and the crowd began to break up into smaller groups. Some people huddled together to chat to old friends, others returned to their places of business, a few remained to see how the task would progress or contemplate how they would go about it.
Felix began. He worked carefully and systematically. First he laid out the seperate sections of wood and looked at how they needed to fit together. He examined the screw, nails, hammer and screwdriver which had been put down on the dusty ground. Gradually the coffin began to take shape. Piece by piece Felix began to form the container. It was looking like the task would be a straightforward as he had imagined.
The square, slowly began to fill once more. Felix became aware that he was under pressure to complete his task within the time limit. As more and more people arrived and gathered around Felix, he grew hotter and less careful. Their chattering noise was beginning to distract him. His mouth was dry and his face was dripping with effort. His arms, too, were feeling strained.
With just the lid left, Felix began to knock the final nails into place. A deep bell interrupted his labour.
"One minute remaining!" Hodge's voice echoed through the crowd.
It couldn't be, Felix thought to himself. He scrabbled hopelessly in the dust for the final two nails. It was possible for him to finish, if he could remain calm. He struggled to control his breathing. His hands were shaking, making it difficult to place the nails with accuracy. He was down to the last one now, and began to hammer.
"Time!"