This is such a remarkable story that I just had to write about it. A former roommate of mine, I'll call him John Doe, used to go into my bedroom and take things - sweatshirts, t-shirts, underwear, blankets, etc. I suspected him of invading my privacy when things in my bedroom weren't quite the way l left them. One time I confronted John about it and he said he came into my bedroom to get a pencil... whatever. What a lying sack! I installed a locking doorknob.

Shortly after he moved out last May, I could not find my nice Bulova Marine Star watch - a treat to myself on which I spent $250. I called John on the phone and asked if he had it, to which he replied "No." I give people the benefit of the doubt. I could do nothing to prove he did have it, so that was the end of that - I thought.

Seven months went by without me seeing John. I thought he had moved to Florida with his partner. As fate would have it, I saw John at a Sunday beer bust at Faultline yesterday. I went over and said hi, chatted a bit and learned he's moving to Florida next week. I noticed his wrist... the distinctive watch band looked extremely familiar, and I noticeably eyed it. Stunned, I excused myself and went back to my friends, clearly disturbed. Minutes later, I had the composure and courage to confront John. Here is our conversation.

Chris: "Hi, John. Can I talk to you?"
John: "Yeah. What's up?"
Chris: "Did you ever find my nice Bulova watch?"
John: "Er, you mean the one I'm wearing now?"
Chris: "Yes. Can I have my watch back?"
John: "Do you need it right now?"
Chris: "Huh? It's MY watch!"
John: "There are people around. I don't want to cause a scene."
We took five steps and he returned my watch.
Chris: "Didn't you know this was my watch? I specifically asked you about thls a few months ago."
John: "At that time, I didn't have it."
I grimace in disbelief.
Chris: "Well, it's quite interesting that I'd find my missing watch this way."
John: "It's quite karmic the way this happened. Quite karmic"
Chris: "Yeah, I guess so."

I was not offered an apology or explanation. I looked at John for a few moments, and not having much else to say, I walked away back towards my friends with a slight smile on my face, showing them my recovered stolen property. None of us could believe it.