“Watching” 2024 Fictional Flashbacks! Shortlist

Her gnarled fingers were like an oyster shell protecting its gem. Slowly, she opened her hand to reveal a dainty, old-fashioned lady’s watch. Its delicate face was surrounded by a tiara of miniscule diamonds. The slim band rolled into two strings of the finest leather, trapped in a gold clasp.
‘Keep it safe.’
She passed me the watch, as if passing over a small dying mouse.
The glass on top was missing, and one leather strap had frayed.
‘One hand is gone… it needs to be repaired. You can’t even tell the time now,’ I said with a snort.
‘Promise.’