The One-Hour Watch

When I first found the pocket watch, I thought, “Cool, free trash.”

It was ticking backwards. On the back, it said:

"One hour back. Once a day. Use it wisely."

Naturally, I used it for evil.

First prank: I replaced my brother’s shampoo with whipped cream. He came out smelling like dessert and depression.

Second prank: I told Mr. Palmer the class lizard was missing—then went back an hour and hid it.

Third: I sneezed in the hallway, loudly yelled “INCOMING!” and dropped eggs on the principal.

I renewed time, of course. I always cleaned it up, fixed things, and made sure no one got hurt.

It was hilarious.

But then one day, I saw Ellie crying in the library. She said her science fair project had been “accidentally” thrown out.

Guess who threw it out the hour before? Yeah. Me. As a prank.

That night, I didn’t rewind. I couldn’t. Not after seeing her cry.

Next morning, I used my time to help her rebuild it—like, actually help. Wires, glitter, glue in my hair. The whole deal.

She said thank you. It felt... better than any prank.

I started using the watch for small, good things: rescuing cupcakes from being squashed, stopping mean jokes before they started, reminding teachers they were awesome (before pop quizzes).

One day, the watch stopped ticking.

I panicked.

Then I realized... I didn’t need it anymore.

Now I hold open doors, say nice things, and only prank my brother sometimes (he deserves it).

Being good feels weirdly fun. Like a secret mission to make someone smile.

But still... if I ever find a “two hours back” watch?

I’m absolutely putting googly eyes and glue on the principal’s chair.