It wasn’t the sight of the shoes that made me gasp, it was the near noxious scent that oozed up into the air immediately upon opening the large box. They reeked! The pungent smell of what had to be years of heavy, active use, the first thing that came to mind was the way the school locker rooms used to smell after one team or another had finished a grueling practice. Suddenly I had visions of masculinity, raw, aggressive talent, heft, strength, virility, all seemed to swim through my mind until Butch’s reaction had me shaking my head clear. He looked mortified!
Butch was sitting on the bench holding both hands over his nose, staring down at the battered, grass and dirt stained sneakers, wide eyed and looking a little queasy. Not to mention there was a glint of fear shining in his eyes. The subconscious recognition of what kind of boy would wear such a pair. I did tell you he’s a bit of a wimp, right? He’s a good boy, sharp as a tack, with great grades and a talent for soaking up information. So, the thought of having to wear the filthy footwear must be frightening, to say the least.
The problem is, and I can only explain this after the events occurred… I didn’t see a problem with the sneakers. I mean, I do now, but as soon as the stench worked its way into my head, I couldn’t bring myself to toss them, or refuse to put them on the poor kid. The store Clerk was standing behind Butch, holding his shoulders in a friendly manner, grinning down as I smiled up and said, almost to happily,
“Well, Your Dad sure knows what’d best suit you Butch! These’ll look great! Bet they’re comfy too!”
I honestly don’t know what I said any of that as I pulled Butch’s shoes off his feet, tossed them aside casually, then wrestled to grab one of his ankles. He was struggling now, I could see the fight in him as he squirmed.
“N.. No! You I can’t wear those! They’re disgusting!!! Stop! Stop it!! They’re too big!”
He yelped, I was able to break just a bit of the glamour that seemed to have taken control. Noticing for the first time how comically large they were compared to his smaller feet. From the tongue inside his shoes I’d cast away so quickly, I could see he was a size 7 ½. These stinkers however, were marked inside with worn out press on ink, “14 ½ W” Just under double his size, I was able to hear the thought ripple through my mind before it vanished and I was stuffing his wiggling toes down into the sneakers.
As soon as I had them on, He stopped fighting physically, and something odd happened that I cannot explain fully. It must’ve been a trick of the light, but, I thought I watched as the dirty laces tightened themselves. Strange, I know. But I sure didn’t tie them, and Butch tried desperately for a few moments to untie them, but the laces didn’t budge. We were both broken away from the occurrence when the Shop Clerk coughed curtly.
"A Perfect fit my boy! Always a perfect fit! They’re already paid for, so go off and enjoy!"
With that, the Clerk walked off into the back of the store, giving us one last, creepy grin. Butch looked utterly defeated as he stood up took a few steps, and tripped, crashing into one of the shelves. A chuckle forced its way out of my throat, as a sudden memory of Butch always being a bit clumsy, due to his larger than average size… wait. No. That’s not true. Where’d that come from? He’s smaller than average, isn’t he? A late bloomer…
It was then I discovered the effects of the store, and why none of the other townsfolk seemed to notice anything wrong. I’d just sacrificed Butch and learned the power of the store first hand, was it worth it? I won’t know until the shoes are finished with him. I shuddered as The both of is made our way to my old car, Butch complaining, the sound of heavy, clomping footfalls behind me as I reassured him that these were the best shoes he’ll ever own.
As soon as we;d got in the car, which on this warm day filled rapidly with the stink wafting from Butch's feet now, his stomach gurgled loudly. He rubbed it, I watched his feet shuffle on the floormat, as a little groan escaped his lips.
"Can... can we get something to eat... I'm starving"