Ways to Kill Time
5/18/1935
I actually don't like chewing gum that much. I always tried very hard to get them only because father never let me have it. I thought the kids would like it just like me before and I was proven right today. I put 2 pieces of gum in the knot-hole of the oak. Scout got them and it seemed like she enjoyed them. I think I'm going to put a little something in that hole every time I go out.
6/4/1935
I put the purple velvet box in the tree. Yes, the box Carl gave me with the ring-tab inside. He said he couldn't afford a real ring, but this would do. I removed the ring-tab and put in two Indian-heads coins. They were actually from Atticus when I was about 5 or 6. I rushed into him and he dropped the two coins. He said I could have them because he just got a raise. Atticus might be the kindest guy in the world.
8/25/1935
The kids just sneaked into our yard. I was very nervous – Nathan was about to see them. Luckily they ran away fast enough, but Jem left his pants. I picked them up and mended them. I've only sewed for a few times but I tried my best. I hope he won't get into trouble with the broken pants.
9/3/1935
Today I gave them Tom's favorite toy – his ball of twine. Tom would always meow when I played it with him. I hope the kids will be as happy as Tom used to be. Tom was my only friend all these years… until last year, when he disappeared unexpectedly just like Carl did.
10/7/1935
I finished the 2 soap dolls for Jem and Scout and I put them in the knot-hole. I like these kids. I see them almost every day. I know every time when they stand by the fence and stare at our house. I really want to meet them, but I shouldn't. Everybody in the town except the kids knows my story. I should not go out.
10/19/1935
Today is my birthday, so I went out to buy more gum and put some in the knot-hole. I guess my birthday doesn't make very much sense since nobody other than me knows the date. I've never had any birthday celebration. The only reason I remember it is mother used to make my favorite desert on this day.
10/25/1935
The gift today is my spelling medal. I got it in elementary school. I was expecting maybe a smile from father but actually he said I should win it and it would be a shame if I didn't.
10/29/1935
Today I put Carl's watch in the knot-hole. I got it after father found out about my relationship with Carl and locked me up. Carl sneaked to my window at night and gave me that pocket watch with a knife linked by a chain. He said: "I hope they'll help you to kill time." I was so surprised he gave me something like that – they're probably worth 10 dollars! He's a Cunningham and I just couldn't accept something like that from him. I tried to refuse them but he pushed them to me and quickly ran away, leaving me a very soft "Goodbye." I didn't really understand the way he stared at me at that point, but now I do. I never saw him again. The knife didn't really kill the watch, so I gave them to the ones who actually helped me to kill time. Thank you, Jem and Scout.