The Meeting at the Shoe Store
"Okay, I'm so sorry, see you later, bro," Alvin said, patting Brando on the shoulder before heading out of the store.
Brando gave a little wave, then turned his attention back to the young woman standing nearby. She had been watching quietly, clutching a shoebox.
"So," he said with a warm smile, "you want to try these on?"
"Yes!" Melania replied. She sat down on the small bench, a flicker of excitement in her eyes. Now that Alvin was gone, she felt a little more confident speaking to Brando. Her heart fluttered strangely—something inside her felt unusually alive.
She slipped her feet into the pair, but immediately noticed the looseness. The shoes looked too big.
"Would you mind getting me the right size? I'm a seven," she asked, smiling at him with growing comfort.
"Just a moment!" Brando grinned and disappeared into the stockroom.
