Forrest Hearne’s gold watch is a symbol of Josie’s dream to be respectable and successful. Although she initially takes it because she finds it hidden in her mother’s room and is unsure what she should do with it, she struggles to part with it because of its significance to her. Possessing Hearne’s watch makes Josie think of Hearne and her interaction with him. To Josie, Hearne is not only rich and handsome, but he is also kind and respectful toward her. Josie is used to being disrespected by those in the Quarter, especially men, and his assumption that she is a college student makes a positive impact on her. She feels a sense of kinship with him because he loves David Copperfield and has also come from humble beginnings. This inspires Josie to believe in her own future. As she sits with Willie’s body after her death, she tells her that “He gave me hope. The dream is still alive in the watch” (326).

Josie admits that she cannot bring herself to dispose of it and keeps it secret from everyone that she has it. She feels she must keep the watch secret since it will implicate her in Hearne’s death, but her inability to throw it away shows that she wants to maintain a connection to the man she believes Hearne is.