Little Inklings 2025

I once was golden, shiny, and most importantly, looked at. I loved the compliments I used to get and the trips to every corner of the world. I was the finishing touch to almost any outfit and made it look breathtaking. To me, my life was perfect, but I always wanted more. Then, suddenly, the looks stopped. The trips around the world, and even outside the house, stopped as if they never happened and never would again. I was placed inside a small box with no display or way to keep me safe. The next time that box was opened, I was in a shop filled with old items that looked ragged, dusty, and faded, as if no one had even thought of them for decades. I felt worthless despite being solid gold. My sheen and luster disappeared with time, and my gears jammed. My hands were frozen in time, like they would never move again. I began to accept my fall from grace when a pair of hands excitedly picked me up and put me on for the first time in years. “Wow, this is the perfect watch! Not too shiny either!” I was looked at, still a joy to someone’s eyes, even without my shine. Later, I was opened up, and my gears were cleared, but my sheen was never returned. However, I didn’t need it anymore. I was happy to be worn again, used again, cherished again. This is my home, and I need nothing more. THE FORGOTTEN RELIC By Izaiah Afflick ’29 98