𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔗𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰 ✓

The Watch

I found myself walking through the neighborhood. The sidewalks were covered with a pure white layer as the same cold substance sprinkled down on me. My pale cheeks held a slight pink tint from the cold weather as my breath fogged up when I inhaled. My hands were deep in my pockets, only covered by thin cream-colored gloves. The matching scarf kept my neck warm and the black button-down coat left me sweating.

Looking for a place to keep warm and rest, I spotted a small shop on Main street. The roof was a forest green color and obviously worn out. The bricks of the shop didn't even match each other's size and color. Nonetheless, it felt comfortable and safe.

I crossed the streets and took my hand out of my pocket, the coldness rushing to my skin right away. I pulled the rusty door handle and the door screeched. The heat rushed at me head on and I started taking my extra garments off.

"Good morning," an old voice called from the small counter, which wasn't actually a counter but a small table with a locked metal box resting upon it. I looked at the voice and smiled.

"Hello," I answered. Observing the old man, I took in the wrinkles in his skin and faded silver hair. What surprised me was the joy and light in his eyes, something I didn't even see in younger men.

"My name's Aldus. Are you looking for anything in particular dear?" the kind old man asked.

"I'm just looking around," I told him. Gazing at the small display cases, I noticed odd trinkets and jewelry. Some were very odd designs that were in no particular shape while others were probably just chunks of metal melted together.

"I think that you are worth more than that junk," the owner said truthfully. Taken back by his bluntness, I watched as he unlocked the box and left the felt that was attached to the cover of the lid. I inched closer to the mysterious man and saw him holding a bronze-colored pocket watch. It was very plain on the outside with just a few numerals on it.

He opened it up and I saw the small clock tick away. There was no glass protecting it from anything so anyone could easily mess the time up, but something about it was beautiful.

"Wow," I breathed. He grinned at me and gestured for my hand. Raising it up, Aldus gently took it and opened my palm before placing the watch in my hand.

Closing it, he said, "It's all yours."

I pulled out my wallet with my other hand before he gently grabbed that one as well.

"It's a gift dear," he said. "For you."

"I-I couldn't possibly take it," I stammered. Looking at the watch, I noticed how it was so beautiful, but I couldn't pay for it and it was too expensive to take as a gift.

Looking up to give it back, I looked around in confusion. Aldus was gone. I stuffed the watch in my pocket and decided to exit the shop.

I couldn't stop staring at the watch. Something about it drew me in. Maybe its mysterious origin had something to do with it. I'd have to ask Aldus next time I saw him.

I was laying on my messy bed, waiting for the yelling to stop again, which usually took until around 11.

"Hey Mina," a bright smile said, poking his head out.

I looked at my little brother and padded my bed. He climbed in beside me and snuggled into my arms. Lark often slept with me because he was usually comfortable and could sleep better through he yelling.

I noticed the familar book tucked in his arms again.

"Will you read to me?" he asked softly.

"Not today bud," I responded firmly.

"But Mina," he argued.

"Go to sleep," I insisted, trying not to sound harsh. It didn't work, for I could feel the wetness seep through my t-shirt.

When he fell asleep, I slipped out of the bed and went back into the bathroom. I wet my face before drying it off. I dropped the towel when I opened my eyes and saw the fairytale book on the counter.

"Wasn't this in Lark's arms?" I asked, thoroughly confused. I traced the rough gold lettering.

*Flashback*

I had fallen asleep with the book in my arms on the couch that he had read to me. Daddy never came back that night. In the morning, I heard the door unlock and ran to it.

"Daddy!" I exclaimed. My smile fell when I saw his appearance. He looked worn out and tired. It was obvious that he had been crying as well.

"What is it Daddy?" I asked. He didn't answer, instead pushing past me and heading to the kitchen. He reached into a cupboard and pulled out a strange dark-colored bottle. It was from the cabinet that he told me to never touch. We had both promised never to touch it. Ever.

Taking off the cap, I watched him take a huge gulp of the gross liquid. Then he didn't stop. He never took his lips off the bottle.

"Daddy stop!" I screeched, reaching out and taking a hold of his arm. Dropping my book, I tried yanking it down, but he didn't relent. Instead he pushed me. I hit the floor and cried as he drunk every drop before throwing it on the kitchen floor. Shattering into shards, I covered head to protect myself from the glass while my book took most of the blow. He swayed a little before groaning and drunkenly walking to his bedroom before slamming the door shut. He never came out.

*Present*

I finally gained the courage to open the book and look at the first story. Cinderella. I felt a tear silently fall from my face as I though of my previous father, the one who loved this story. The drop botched the "C" and I quickly closed it.

Suddenly, I gasped when I saw the book glow. A beam of light shined through it and I felt something move in my pocket. The watch flew out and landed on the book. The hands were spinning round and round, too fast to see by the naked eye. I hit the floor in awe, trying to figure out how physics had anything to play in this supernaural scenario. I thought about Lark for a minute, before everything faded to darkness.