Magic, Temptation, Power

     Pedro made his first big mistake at precisely 8:46 am, while walking along Main Street, worrying about his late math homework. A woman vendor called out to him, gesturing wildly inviting him to approach. Trying to be nice, Pedro allowed his feet to carry him to the woman’s shop, which was decorated with brightly colored blankets that hung from the walls, accompanied by small keychains and trinkets that hung on hooks around the shop. 

    “I… I don’t want anything.” Pedro said hastily, “All I’ve got is my lunch money.” The woman shook her head, her eyes wide with amazement.

    “Trust me, chico, you want these shoes.” She gestured to beat up old sneakers that looked like they were on their last life. The toe was split, the sole was scuffed, and dried mud was splattered all over the sides. 

    “I’m okay, thanks.” Pedro muttered, wondering why anybody would buy these old pieces of fabric being held together by a few stitches.

    “You don’t understand. They’re cursed!” The woman was in full panic now, trembling uncontrollably. 

    “I think you might want to work on your sales pitch.” Pedro said, glancing uneasily at the shoes.

    “Please!” The woman cried, “They’ll give you powers!” Pedro’s head snapped up. The woman noticed and hurriedly said, “I… I was washing the dishes when my husband came home! I’d been wishing he was more helpful around the house, when he looked at me and his whole face changed. He… he offered to help with the dishes!” She was crying now, tears running down her cheeks like tiny rivers. “And later, my friend came by and she was very chatty and I just wished she’d stop and the second I wished it, she asked me how my day was! They’re cursed!” Pedro didn’t even wait for her to finish. He pulled out his lunch money from his bag, the crumpled $5 outstretched in his hand. The woman’s eyes locked onto the bill and snatched it like it would run away from her. Quickly, she tossed the ragged old shoes and Pedro, handling them like they were made of acid. Once the shoes were in Pedro’s hand, she pushed him out the door and back onto the sidewalk. 

    Pedro turned around and began to say, “Thank y—” but his words were cut short when the door slammed in his face, the little bells that hung on the frame tinkling cheerfully. “Ok then, guess they’re mine.” He walked a little way down the street before curiously examining the shoes. The fabric was worn smooth, like it had been sanded down. The white laces hung feebly, and the sole was peeling. Pedro felt stupid. He’d wasted his lunch money and would be late for school. “Just what I needed.” He grumped, but he didn’t let go of the shoes. When he got to the tall brick building that was Glenville High School, he decided, “Whatever. Maybe the teacher will believe me if I’m actually wearing the shoes.” Sighing, he bent down and took off his own red shoes, the ones his mother had just bought him. He carefully put them in his backpack before stuffing the ratty shoes onto his feet. He didn’t bother tying the laces. 

    Pedro trudged down the hall after being scolded by the school’s secretary, already dreading the lecture he would get from Mrs. Delta, his math teacher. Slowly, he pushed open the door and saw every head snap towards him. Mrs. Delta turned towards him, already preparing her “So you showed up” speech. Resigned, Pedro wished that she could be more like Mr. Davus, who really didn’t care what his students did as long as they passed the final exam. The effect was immediate. Mrs. Delta’s face relaxed, and her eyes didn’t look so sharp.

    “Deary, why are you late?” She said in a sweet tone. Confused, Pedro stuttered out,

    “I… uh… got lost.” Mrs. Delta’s face transformed from relaxed into concerned.

    “Oh my. That’s not good, is it dear?” She said, ignoring everybody’s mouths falling open in shock. Pedro shook his head, trying to keep his face blank of laughter. The shoes worked. They really worked. 

    “I’ll just sit down, if that’s ok.” He said, starting towards his seat in the back. 

    “Well, if you get lost, maybe you need someone to walk with you. To make sure you find your way.” Mrs. Delta’s voice carried across the room and made Pedro stop in his tracks. This wasn’t supposed to happen. “I would be more than happy to.” Mrs. Delta continued, “I’d rather walk instead of driving. It really would be no trouble. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Don’t worry dear, I’ll call your mother on my free period and arrange our walking schedule. Now, get to your seat, we’re doing fractions today.” Pedro felt like throwing up. This wasn’t what he wanted. Terrified, he yanked off the ratty shoes as fast as he could, his mind racing with panic. The second his feet were free, Mrs. Delta’s face hardened. “Pedro,” She said in a stern voice, “why are you late? And why are you holding those disgusting shoes? Throw them away immediately.” 

    Pedro did as he was told, flinging them into the garbage bin across the room. Then, he slunk down into his seat, his heart pounding. After class, he saw his classmate, Billy, reach into the garbage can and pull out the shoes, holding them reverently. Pedro watched as Billy slipped them onto his feet and as he ran out the door, his face was bright with excitement. Pedro shook his head and chuckled, following Billy at an easy pace. He almost felt bad. Almost.