Create an illustration inspired by Edward Gorey's style. Depict a scene featuring two characters on an abstract, surreal stage. One character, dressed in a long, elegant coat, stands on a curved platform, holding a long stick with a cautious expression. The other character, dressed in dark attire, is reclining on a peculiar chair made of spiraling metal rods that give the impression of a cage or trap. The background should be minimal and dark, emphasizing the characters and the strange apparatus. Use intricate cross-hatching and fine linework to add depth, texture, and shading to the characters' clothing, facial expressions, and the metal rods. Add symbolic elements such as a lone black bird perched on one of the spiraling rods and a small, antique pocket watch hanging from a branch-like extension, suggesting the passage of time and creating an air of surreal suspense. Ensure the overall atmosphere is eerie and enigmatic, with a focus on unsettling yet captivating details.