The Clock Shop (ORIGINAL VERSION)

11

I waited a month to hear back from her. During that time I worked at The Clock Shop like usual. Nothing changed, and nothing happened. I haven't gone into the tunnels, I've been patient.

     We had a lot of customers, especially during the pre-spring festival my town has every year. The festival happens on the weekend before March 20th, and I was able to convince Mr. Clifton to open the shop on that weekend, and that I would help him all day on those days.

***

"Mr. Clifton, the pre-spring festival is this weekend," I stated, hoping to remind him.

     "I forgot that the festival was happening," he sighed, "time goes by so fast, I swear we just had one."

     "I have an idea," I took a deep breath, "I was thinking we should be open this weekend during the festival."

     "Now, I understand that'll bring in customers, but I am too old for that Hannah."

     "Lots of people come to see the festival and look at the stores, plus I volunteer to help in the shop," I wanted to reassure him I was going to be there, "and, I'll even take over if you need to go home."

     "Okay, well..." he looked around the shop, how there were no customers, and the streets were almost completely empty. "I agree, and maybe it will help you keep your mind off the letter and tunnels."

     I let out a little laugh, "Perfect! This is a great opportunity." I was excited, but it was only the beginning of the week at the time.

     We both smiled in agreement.

     I wanted to see the shop get some customers or even just people that want to look at the clocks. I think it made Mr. Clifton happy seeing all the people that came by, which made me feel happy and accomplished. We even sold a few.

***

Every day I checked my mailbox with excitement that Amanda might've written me back something. I did this for almost a month, then one day, I got a letter from her:

Dear Hannah Mancini,

     I have received your letter, and I thank you for reaching out. I am glad that my uncle's shop is doing well, maybe I should come by to see him sometime.

     I am surprised you found the letter that I wrote so long ago. What I saw in the tunnels was the complete opposite of what you described to me.

     I do not completely remember what I had seen down there, over the years I have tried to forget about it. I have a family now, and I was just a teen.

     I still remember most of what I saw, and it wasn't fun. It was all my worst nightmares and fears put in stages. In order to get back to The Clock Shop I needed to get through multiple rooms and conquer/face my biggest fears. Once I got to the end of the room there was a door to go through, then I would fall into the next room with another fear.

     I will write you another letter about the whole story, every step of the way I went and what I'd seen.

     For now, it looks like you will have to wait some more.

Sincerely,

Amanda Murray

I was happy to have heard back, but now more curious about her story. Now I would have to wait for her next letter.