(Class IX Story Writing Competition: One of the Best Three Stories)Kartike Chopra, Class IX F
10-year-old Sally gasped as she entered the large hall. It was made to hold a thousand people. Sally had read the magazine and wanted a peek at Olivia’s watch. Olivia was the daughter of Mr. Robson, the owner of Trapwire Industries. He was so rich that he could afford his personal watch maker Dortrund Revter. Olivia’s watch was worth $ 2 million.
Sally and her mother quickly recognized the 16-year-old girl surrounded by four bodyguards and adorning an exquisite dress with elaborate stitching and gem work and a diamond studded necklace. They went and greeted Olivia and thereafter retraced their steps.
“My watch!” Olivia cried. “It’s missing! I had it with me till a few moments ago!”
Mr. Robson could not believe that his daughter had lost the very expensive limited-edition watch. He quickly had everyone frisked at the exits. Two dozen guards were called and they first turned towards Sally and her mother. After all, they had been the last ones to greet the princess. Nothing was found. Nothing showed up in the flower pots either.
Olivia broke down and Mr. Robson rushed to console her and promised her another watch. T.V. reporters surrounded the girl. The huge doors of the hall were opened and the unfortunate visitors filed out.
As the valet brought their car, Sally tugged at her mother’s sleeve “Mommy!” she said, “Did you get a glance at the watch everyone has been talking about?” “No, my dear”, her mother said, “I wonder if the watch was ever there…..”
A significant statement, don’t you think? Maybe it was after all another gimmick of the rich world?