The Shoe

by Emily Ramsey

A shoe.
An old shoe.
That was all she had left.
It was at one time a new shoe.
A shiny sneaker,
Nike by brand.
It had been owned by a boy.
A little boy.
When the shoe was first placed on his foot,
his 6 yr old face lit up with glee.
It was her little boy.
She remebered his toothless grin.
His fiery red hair.
His deep brown eyes.
He had just learned how to tie shoes.
A great accomplishment which had took many weeks to achieve.
They were both so proud.
So they went out to celebrate with Ice Cream and a new pair of shoes.
He had strawberry.
It was his favorite.
Most of it ended up around his mouth and down his shirt.
But he looked so happy.
She let him get by with the mess.
It was his special day after all.
So then they went for the shoes.
There was such a vast selection!
He tried on boots, Reeboks, and all sorts of shoes.
Of course he insisted on tying each pair himself, so it took quite some time.
Then they found the Nike's.
They were red.
Red was his favorite color.
They had black swooshes.
They were a velvety leather, soft and beautiful.
How he loved those shoes.
They headed out of the store, his purchase tucked under his chubby arm. "Please mommy, can i put them on?"
"Of course, Darling, sit right there."
He sat on the small bench.
He intently stared down at his feet while tying.
Slow, but steady.
She looked around her at all the happy shoppers.
Next they would go get him a new outfit to match his new shoes.
It was going to be a good day.
She turned back to her little darling.
He was gone.
There were he had been sitting was one beautiful red Nike.
She frantically surveyed the area.
Where was her little boy?
Her pride and joy!
His daddy had already left her.
"Please don't let my baby leave me too!"
She screamed for help.
She looked everywhere.
Searching, pleading for help.
Everyone thought she had gone mad.
"My baby! My baby! My precious little boy!"
The search was fruitless.
He was nowhere to be found.
She picked up the shoe.
Gently she held it in her hand.
She went to the elevator praying for a speedy descent.
At the service desk she tried to explain what happened.
Yet how do you explain something you aren't even sure of yourself?
All she knew was that he was gone.
And that he was wearing one new, red Nike sneaker.
They informed the police, and blocked the entrances.
Her darling child was gone.
A shoe.
An old shoe.
That was all she had left.