The Monkey Shoes
Monday, February 25
Elena is not feeling well today so I stayed at home with her. She is sleeping on the couch across from me when I suddenly think of her ragged shoes. Her favorites, pink and gray, with monkeys on each side, and with holes on the bottom, and the fabric disintegrating at the heels. I start wondering if I could find another pair just like it. I go to the garage to look at the label, then get on the computer. After a few minutes I find the exact pair, two sizes bigger. Oh, well, it is almost springtime, she might grow into it by next fall. When I press the order button, I try to imagine Elena’s face when she opens the box.
Wednesday, February 27
Elena is feeling better and ready to go back to school. I am already sitting in the car, waiting for her to grab her shoes. The monkey ones.
“Elena, do you mind the holes?
“No, mommy.”
She opens the car door. “I had a dream,” she says, ” that I had two pairs of these, one old and one new. I chose the new one.
“Are you serious?
“Yes, Mommy.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, Mom! It is not a big deal, it was just a dream!”
“It is a big deal! I ordered a new pair for you two days ago.”
“Oh, wow, now it is confirmed! I can predict the future! I am psychic!”
I roll my eyes. “I am not going to be able to give you many surprises, that’s for sure.”
