Contents
Chapter One
Overview
On a date, Holland chases a clue tied to her secret folklore class and drags Jake into a hidden shop linked to the Watch Man myth. Despite warnings and the class’s secrecy rule, both volunteer their information to contact the Watch Man, risking their relationship and inviting real consequences.
Summary
Holland St. James prepares excitedly for a third date with Jake, a considerate, environmentally minded grad student. On the way to ice cream, a vintage poster with cufflink initials W.M. triggers Holland’s memory of a forbidden legend from her secret Folklore 517 class: the Watch Man.
Compelled by her treasure-hunt upbringing and the Professor’s stories, Holland pulls Jake into a hidden alley and through a door marked Curios & Clockwork. Inside, a pristine, milk-glass-and-gold foyer presents two doors: curios and clockwork. The clockwork door won’t open.
A platinum-haired attendant appears at the curios door. Despite the Professor’s rule against sharing class stories, Holland admits they seek the Watch Man, who purportedly tells people when they’ll die—and can trade for more time. Jake hesitates, then commits to join Holland, signaling support.
After warning them, the attendant returns with carbon-copy slips and pens, instructing them to write their names and requested information so the Watch Man will be in touch. Holland and Jake accept, formalizing their pursuit of the myth and setting consequences in motion.
Who Appears
- Holland St. JamesFormer Folklore 517 student; leads a date into Curios & Clockwork to pursue the Watch Man, defying secrecy warnings.
- JakeHolland’s considerate new boyfriend; skeptical but chooses to join her in requesting the Watch Man’s time.
- Curios AttendantPlatinum-haired woman in white; warns them, then provides forms so the Watch Man can make contact.