Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: ONEROUS (03/02/17)
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TITLE: Shoes That Tie | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
03/09/17 -
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The Glackerys lived in a rusty old place that clearly had been mobile at one time. This multi-dented metal monstrosity sat on a precarious slant way back in the woods a short distance from town. One wonders how it got there in the first place.
The front window wouldn’t close, which was good news for the ragged curtains. On a windy day, they billowed through the opening as if yelling for help; or gasping for a breath of air that wasn’t ripe with chewing tobacco, moonshine, and fried everything.
Buggy, as poor Bertha was called, was the youngest of at least twelve children. The Glackerys lost count, or their minds, or whatever triggers rampant reproduction without responsibility.
Eventually, all the kids, except one, moved away to begin their own dynasty of needy heirs. J.D. and Wanda Sue, felonious to a fault, became permanent guests of the state correctional facilities up the river (so to speak).
Out of all that dysfunction, ignorance, and poverty, the youngest female child was abandoned; left alone. She wandered into town barefoot, dirty, and bewildered. An alert social worker placed her with a nice foster family. They were told she had never been to school. The fact that she had never worn shoes was not mentioned.
Mrs. Nelson, the new foster mother, happily shopped for girly clothes. She drew an outline of the child’s feet as a pattern to purchase sneakers, sandals, slippers, and dress up shoes. The little girl was perplexed.
After a few bubble baths, which Buggy adored, she smelled much sweeter. Her golden hair shone with an angelic luster. She loved her new home and the kindness of these strange people. And then, it was time to take her to church.
“But Bertha, dear, we can’t go barefoot to God’s house.”
Buggy was confused. She’d had very little introduction to the spiritual side of life.
“God has a HOUSE?”
“It’s where we go to worship Him and to sing with others who love Him.”
Even to Eva Nelson, that didn’t sound like a convincing reason to be shod in patent leather. She tried another approach.
“Let’s put on these cute Mary Jane shoes, and you can carry that little matching purse.”
Buggy stood frozen to the floor, biting her lip, tears spilling over.
“Who’s Mary Jane?”
The foster mom wrapped the innocent girl with understanding hugs. Perhaps she was too aggressive with this make-over thing. After all, why would a five-year-old need a pocketbook?
“Oh honey, that’s just what this style of shoe is called. Believe me, they belong only to you. When your feet grow, we’ll get a bigger size of any kind you want.”
Bertha stood very still in her pink socks and matching pink dress. After a few snuffles and gulps, she announced, “I think my feet are growing now.”
Eva couldn’t suppress a smile. “Well, which shoes would you like to wear?”
The only ones that held any interest for the barefoot lass were extra soft and looked exactly like two cute little bunnies on her feet. She was mesmerized by such an amazing thing.
Eva was able to give her husband a high sign to refrain from reacting to the unusual outfit. That was the day they learned a few church members could have used a sign as well.
Just inside the imposing front door, whispered words like Clackery trash quietly oozed through the pretentious air like poison gas. Eva locked eyes with Jack. Once again, he understood the signal. Buggy was still enchanted with her bunny feet and didn’t seem to have a clue what momentous things were transpiring.
Jack held the little girl in his protective arms as he and Eva did a magnificent about face and marched down the sidewalk and back to their car. They never returned (but did find a more loving congregation elsewhere). Rude behavior from misguided snooty church people was not going to hurt an innocent baby who had suffered such an ugly rough start in life.
With love and patience, a desperately bad beginning can turn into happily-ever-after. When the adoption was final, Bertha asked if she could have a new name. They let her choose. She liked the sound of Bonnie Belle Nelson.
Years have passed, but to this day everyone calls her Bunny.
She owns a shoe store for kids.
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Your title was a perfect catch. I'm so glad Buggy got to choose a new name. As they say, "A rose wouldn't smell as sweet with any other name."