Category : Stories

Sub Category : Horror

"Do you have the time?" Mary asked a pedestrian standing still. They were the only two immobile beings of seemingly human existence that stayed unmoving for any span of time exceeding a few seconds or more. This was the third night that Mary had needed the time near midnight, only to be left with no way of telling what time it was. The pedestrian looked down at his left wrist, then to his right. Neither wrist had a watch on it, and the man became frantic after realizing this. Mary turned around and walked quickly back towards the fountain. Her palm became more dampened with sweat the faster she moved down the cobblestone streets. Hearing the pedestrian shout in her direction, Mary swooped into a dark doorway where she waited, hiding.
   Ticking away, the minutes past by quickly while the second hand made an almost inaudible sound, showing just how it is that time flies. Lifting her hand to her ear, Mary could hear the "tick-tock" quite clear. The dreary clouds covered the fingernail moon, causing this source of light to become totally useless: in terms of sight, that is. The heat from the cobblestone pavement reached Mary's face, causing her forehead to break out in a sweat. Wiping her forehead, she checked the watch in her hand to see how much it would be worth to Mr. Simmons. Looking for gold or jewels, Mary noticed a few scratches upon the watch's face. Clutching it closer, Mary felt for initials from engravings. None were present. She would get a few shillings for it, provided by Mr. Simmoms. He was a regular traveling apothecary, buying mostly any sort of curio from Mary and the other girls. Pickpocketing had become a 2nd source of income for Mary, who struggled now more than ever to get by with enough to pay for room, board, and meals. Food came lastly; Mary learned how to survive with barely any. What's more, she had become accustomed to the cold, empty feeling her stomach swelled with most of the time, skipping meals to save money. Nothing did Mary desire more than to start anew in the states. This watch would provide more for the savings meant to purchase her ship fare across the ocean into America. 
A sharp, shrill scream pierced the night air, remaining still and suspended in the night's heavy fog. Mary clutched the watch tightly, running into the safety of her humble abode. She decided then to wait until morning or twilight the next day to journey over to Mr. Simmons and show him the watch. Quickly closing the heavy wooden door behind her, Mary locked the top portion as well. She settled in after taking a swig from the wine bottle that was almost empty on her night stand. Smearing off the fog from the mirror, Mary composed herself and changed her attire, getting ready for bed. Before she lay down, Mary chose the next day's wear,  finding something entirely appropriate to  dress in when seeing Mr. Simmons. Little did Mary know at that moment that when she returned the next day, a body would be waiting for her, laid out in pieces upon her bed-- with only Mr. Simmons' word to protect her as an alibi.