2125. Shoes

It wasn’t at all a pleasant experience, as you, Dear Reader, are about to find out. Janice had had a lovely afternoon. It was her birthday, and her friend, Bridget, had popped around for a natter and a cup of tea. The visit lasted a lot longer than intended, and several cups of tea were produced over the afternoon.

They chatted about all sorts of things, but mainly (would you believe) about shoes. The topic was prompted by Bridget’s brand new shoes. They were quite ordinary, but nice enough. Bridget was still “breaking them in”. She had a little blister on her left heel, despite the shoes having been advertised as “comfortable”. Of course they talked about other things, but shoes seemed to be the main theme threading the conversation.

Eventually Bridget left, and Janice sat down to watch television.

About an hour later there was a knock at the door. Janice answered. There stood a man, tall and skinny, with a mask covering his face. He didn’t look nice. Suddenly, from behind his back he produced something; Bridget’s shoes.

“You might want these,” he said, and dropped them at Janice’s feet.

He sauntered off. He disappeared.

(This story was inspired by a story by Iseult Murphy).