New Shoes

Take A Break

Once Manolo had his tools, he got straight to work fixing Maria’s boot. He worked with complete concentration on the sofa in a sitting room.

Maria and her nanny Anna came in to check on him, “Is everything going well, Manolo?” Anna asked.

“Yes, señora.” Manolo said, “This might take longer than I thought, however.” 

“Not a problem at all. You can stay overnight if you need to. Isn't that right, Maria?” Maria didn't acknowledge Anna. She was staring at Manolo with a grin. Anna sighed in disapproval, “Maria.”

“Hm?” Maria blinked, “Oh, yes, of course. Please take your time. I wouldn't want to rush you.” 

Manolo nodded and smiled shyly, “Thank you.”

Anna left the room while Maria stayed behind. She didn't know why, but she wanted to get to know him a little. She saw how focused Manolo was on her boot. He didn't seem to notice she was there, “Hi.”

Manolo jumped in surprise, not expecting her voice, “Oh, uh, hi.”

Maria giggled as she sat next to him, “I can tell you're a hard worker.” He smiled shyly, quickly glancing and kept working, “Is that how you got those bandages?”

He noticed the bandages wrapped around his thumbs and fingertips, “More or less. My tools, uh, sometimes slip.”

She hummed in response, “He's really shy.” She thought. She watched him while he worked in comfortable silence.

Manolo suddenly felt nervous now that someone was watching him. It felt like now he needed to perform well in front of her. He decided to do something a little more fun with her shoe.

He took glue and a small container of brass buttons. Using tweezers, he carefully glued some buttons onto the boot in the shape of a flower.

Maria smiled. Her boots were plain leather boots, so the decoration was a nice touch. As if he remembered something, Manolo looked at her almost apologetically, “Oh, I'm sorry, I should've asked if you wanted-”

“Don't be sorry.” She said, “You're the expert.” Before he could get back to work, she asked, “Why don't you take a break?”

Manolo looked at her in surprise, “Wouldn't you… rather me finish your shoe?”

“There's no rush. You take your time with it. Besides, you've been working for a good while now. Maybe I could show you around the house?”

Manolo looked down at his work for a second. It probably would be a good idea to walk around a little. He silently put the boot down on the table, following her as she stood up. Why was she being so kind to him?

…

Joaquin looked up at the tower where the golden medals were suspended, “If I got those things, I'd be set for life. But how am I supposed to get up there?”

The closest building was a nearby mansion. It would be a good place to figure out a plan. He could also steal some trinkets in the meantime.

Joaquin crept around the mansion, looking for a way in. He stayed in the shadows since the sun was close to setting. He climbed through the first open window he saw, landing in what looked like a living room. Thankfully, it was empty. Nothing but some broken boot.

“Ok. Gotta be extra careful. One slip up and I'm dead.”

…

Manolo didn't say much as he and Maria walked through the halls. He was taking in the beauty of the large house. He could only dream of living in a place like this.