THE WATCH by William Hartel

(scribbled in a notebook)
     These words will be my proof in case something happens to me. Proof that someone is trying to drive me crazy!
     As I write this, the lady sitting directly across from me here in the mall -- the one reading the newspaper -- is observing me. Is it her? She glances over her paper at me! There, she did it again! 
     Is it the old man over there? He thinks I don't see him watching me out of the corner of his beady eyes. Maybe he get his orders from headquarters over his hearing aid.
     Now I am convinced. My watch stopped working all of a sudden, so I took it to the jewelry store for a new battery. The lady behind the counter seemed a little too anxious to help me. Her smile was just a little too big. If I wasn't so observant I might have missed it, but these days I don't miss anything!. 
     "Yes sir," she said, mocking me. "Changing the battery only takes a minute -- can you come back in a half hour, Mr. Bennet?" If it only takes a minute, why send me away for half an hour?! She wasn't just going to change the battery... she was going to install the tracking device!
     The lady said my watch didn't need a new battery at all. She said that the contact had just slipped a bit. "No charge," she said with that stupid grin on her face.
     People walking by are definitely starring at me, but which one is it? I know what to do. I'm going to ditch my watch right here, when no one is looking. They won't get to me!! They thought it would be easy to drive Edward Bennet crazy! They were wrong!
     And how about you Dr. Spizic? Do you finally believe that someone is trying to drive me insane? Someday you'll believe me.

(on lined paper – red pen)
Dear Kelly, 
     I have the perfect accessory! The coolest watch in the world. And get this. I found it! I was in the mall to get my eyebrow pierced (including my ears, that makes eleven!!) and right there on the floor outside the earring store was this man's watch!! It is soooo cool. It's kickin, just like my black leather jacket and black lip stick.
     It is a HUGE man's watch. It looks sort of like one of those studded wrist bracelets, you know, like the collar that Jerome wears. My dad hates Jerome. He hates everybody these days. He and mom are fighting again.
     Anyway, you gotta see my watch. I didn't bring it to school today -- think I left it at home on the counter -- but if you want to come over after school to try it on, OK. Oh, no! Here comes Mr. Jerkface. I have to stop this note.
Love,
Missy XOXO
P.S. Is it true what they said about you and Raphael? Why didn't you call me right away? I always call you when me and Frank do it.
P.P.S. Don't tell anyone I found it. I'm going to say that I stole it.

(embossed stationary in fountain pen)
Dear Charlotte,
     I can't take it any more -- the lies, the humiliation, the knowing stares from your friends.
     I have suspected for months that you were having an affair. The signs were very subtle, until today that is. I found your lover's watch in the kitchen counter this morning. Did you think I wouldn't find it? Perhaps you thought I wouldn't care...
     I may not have always been a perfect husband, but at least I have always been faithful to you. Maybe I should have said something sooner. I guess I hoped that you would realize your mistake and come back to me and Missy.
     In a way, I feel sorry for you, but this is how it has to be. Al. Zuckerman will be contacting you. You will have to get your own lawyer. Maybe you've got several names in your little black book.
     The watch is in our bedroom night stand. Please try to keep these sordid details from Missy.
Goodbye,
Robert

(note card)
My Dearest James,
     Well, Robert finally found us out. He left last night. This time he really means it. He said I should get a lawyer.
     I knew it would come to this eventually, and it is probably for the best. Robert and I have been drifting apart for years. Last year when you and I made love in your office I knew my marriage was through.
     I have spent a lot of time thinking about us over the past few months. As hard as it is for me to write these words, I've decided to end our affair. It is not fair to you for us to go on like this. Please excuse this letter -- I could never tell you this in person. What we had was wonderful, but it wasn't love. You shouldn't risk your marriage. I will always care for you. I hope you will understand. 
Love always,
Charlotte

P.S. We were always so careful. I don't see how we could have overlooked something so obvious as your watch. I don't remember you taking it off the last time you were here-- in fact I don't remember you ever wearing a watch… I considered keeping it as a momento of our wonderful afternoons together, but that would just be too selfish so I am returning it to you. 

(medical record)
12/15/95
     E. Bennet arrived 30 minutes late for his weekly session. Continues to experience paranoid delusions. Reports that "someone is trying to drive me crazy." Not able to identify who it might be or why. Also believes that someone might be following him. Considers everyone "a liar, a cheat or a sinner."
     I assured him that these feelings are merely manifestations of his illness and are certainly based on his misperceptions. Possibly extensions of his own sense of guilt.
     He reports taking his medication as prescribed. Have ordered blood test to determine thorazin levels. When results are available, will increase dosage as needed to manage his hallucinations. 
     Stressed the importance of keeping our appointments and staying on time. Note: He says that the telephone calls have stopped. Possible indication that his condition is improving. James Spizic, M.D.
     There was a knock on the office door. Dr. Spizic closed the file on his desk as Louise, his receptionist, stepped into the room.
     "Excuse me Doctor," she said. "Charlotte Helms just stopped by and canceled all of her appointments." Louise's brow was furrowed in concern.
     "Charlotte? Here? Now?" Dr. Spizic raised from his chair.
     "No. She came in, canceled her appointments and left this package for you," Louise said. "I think she had been crying." Louise extended the yellow padded envelope to the doctor.
     "Thank you, Louise," Dr. Spizic said. "No explanation? Nothing?"
     "Nothing. Maybe I'll give her a call in a day or so."
     "Yes. Yes, do that, and let me know what she says, please."
     Louise left the office and closed the door behind her. Dr. Spizic opened the envelope. Out tumbled a black man's watch and a handwritten notecard. The intercom on the doctor's desk crackled.
     "Doctor? There's a call for you on line two," Louise said.
     Dr. Spizic studied the watch in his hand as he lifted the telephone receiver with the other. "Spizic."
     "We know where you are," said a menacing voice. "We are watching you all the time…" Click.

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