This was a totally random thing inspired by a Dave Powell post and originally posted here, just something to do while bored at work. A gag, really, or a small personal challenge. It's very brief, but I kind of liked the result and plan to continue this story. When, I don't know. But I will. I've already started the second part.

"The Girl, The Gold Watch, and Everything"
By Eric San Juan, inspired by a title by Dave Powell

1

“You know I haven’t the money for that, Sissy. Put it back!”

Mum was very displeased, and that did not make Sissy happy. It did not make her happy at all. Still, she put aside her unhappiness, shoving it into the compartment in which she kept all her misfortune, that tiny place only she knew about, and insisted again.

“But mum,” Sissy pleaded, “I must have it. Really I must. Take a look and you’ll see.”

“What you ‘must’ have is a smack if you talk to me like that again, young lady. Now put it back and come on, we’ve still two chickens to buy. Besides, I can’t carry all these things myself!”

Sissy frowned. She didn’t care about stupid chickens or stupid goat’s milk or any of the other stupid, stupid things her mum wanted to buy. What she cared about was the gold watch. She had never seen anything of its sort. Old Mr. Coppernose smiled condescendingly when she asked to see it, but he took it from behind the counter and her let her handle it all the same. The watch was small, just the size of her palm. It was cool to the touch despite the summer heat. Its face had 14 numbers and three hands. The timepiece was affixed to a thin chain of gold. An inscription on the back read, “14 On The Hour, Three Days Of Sun. 13 On The Hour, Run, Girl, Run.” Sissy did not know what it meant.

“Come on, Sissy!”

Sissy mumbled her thanks to Mr. Coppernose, handed the watch back and shuffled along behind her mother. The watch would have to wait. She knew she’d be back. She knew because the watch told her she’d be back. And coming back was a very important thing. It was the most important thing. Sissy had to come back or terrible, terrible things would happen.

The watch had told her that, too. And Sissy knew it was true.

TO BE CONTINUED

Title from the old John D. McDonald book? One of my favorites that he wrote.

Holy hell, you're right! When Dave threw the title out there, I had no idea it was a real title until you mention it and I Googled it. I thought it was a riff on titles like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Life, The Universe And Everything.

I remembered this title as a movie. It did well enough to have a second movie which I believe was called "The Girl, the Gold Watch, and Dynamite".

1. If it helps you by developing a story that won't get you in trouble down the road, good.
2. It was a great book. After reading it, I eventually found myself getting into the Travis McGee books.
3. Your story is still good. I hope you don't lose the thought-process.

Oh well, you're still off to an intriguing start. When do we get to see what happens?

As I said on the thread where you first posted this, it's very good, Eric. I'm anxious to see where it goes from here. Thank you for this, it's really off to a great start.

Have her see the paperback in a dusty corner of the store. Then the tie-in is overt.

And the way I said "dusty corner of the store?"

Writing.

Thank you.

Thanks for the kind words, folks. I swear, a new installment soon!