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).

1809. Beautiful shoes

Esther saw the shoes in the shop. They were black ankle boots. They were beautiful. They were expensive.

Almost every day she would look at the shoes. Yes, they definitely cost too much. If she had more money she could squander it on these shoes.

Esther showed the shoes to her friend, Caroline. Caroline agreed that the shoes were lovely. “They would suit you down to the ground,” said Caroline. Of course, Caroline admiring the shoes wasn’t going to get Esther the shoes! Carolina could ill-afford to buy the shoes as much as Esther.

Not having enough money didn’t stop Esther longing, and looking, and wishing, and hoping, and dreaming.

Then one day, the shoes were not there. They had been sold. Goodness knows who had purchased them. Some rich person no doubt.

As she walked along the dusty road, Esther was consoled by the fact that none of the other kids at school could afford shoes either.