Ndugu studies his watch, the first he has ever owned. Real gold, the man told him, holding up a magnifier so Ndugu could verify the truth of his statement. A Rolex, no less, and only thirty dollars.
A day’s wages, but Ndugu’s room and meals were provided by his cousin, so he reached into his pocket and gave the man his money.
He holds up his wrist, peering at the golden bracelet. It makes him feel like King Shango, like the glittering tower is his castle.
His watch now tells him it is time to rotate the pretzels in his cousin’s cart.
Lovely bathos
thanks. A real Rolex!
I want to believe it’s a real Rolex for his sake, but I’m not convinced… Nicely done.
Dear Josh,
I hope it keeps time, at least. I’m a bit skeptical about the real gold part. Well written as I’d expect.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Lovely story, and I do hope that the watch IS real for him.
I love this. And to him it is real. Nothing wrong with that.
The best watch I ever owned cost me five euros on a beach in Tenerife – kept perfect time for years!
Great atmosphere in this. I hope he doesn’t get disillusioned abut the Rolex.
I like that you zeroed in on the watch! The last line is spot-on. Even if it is a real Rolex, he still has to turn the bagels. His life hasn’t change one iota.
I don’t think he cares much if it’s really real or not. He’s enjoying it. Nicely written!
I like the way you’ve constructed this story with such economy. By the end, we understand so much about the character. Kudos.
The contrast of a real Rolex instant his reality is revealing. Nice.
That is a brilliantly done ! A slice of life.