Photo Credit: Magaly Guerrero
“More shoes!”
“I need them,” she says
“You’ve dozens and only two feet.”
Paul wondered how often shoes were cited in divorce proceedings.
“We can’t afford them. We’re up to here in debt.” He banged the back of his hand under his chin.
“They were cheap.”
“Cheap? Dog shit’s going for half price at the moment; shall I get a stock in?”
“Now you’re being stupid. If it distresses you, I’ll take them back.”
“The bank’s letters distress me.”
“I’ll take them back, but can I keep the clocks?”
Suddenly, Paul was aware of the loud tick-tock of time running out.
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Michael Wynn 
This is a great reflection of a relationship that is obviously doomed. I’m sure many men will be able to relate to the situation. Hopefully, he will clear the debt and find someone with a bit more financial sense!
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I think he will but it’s gong to take the drastic action that he was trying to avoid
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Who needs food and electricity when you’ve got a wardrobe full of shoes?
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She does but feels able to leave that up to him to sort, while she’s buying shoes and anything else on sale
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I love the tick tock of time running out
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Thanks, Neil
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…Time to break out the fake passport and bail!
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Yeah, his only option
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I wonder how many more things she snuck in when he wasn’t looking? A very real slice of life.
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Dear Michael,
Obviously you’re unfamiliar with the expression, “If the shoe fits, buy a pair in every color.” 😉 Love the dialogue. So true to life.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, I’m a man, I can’t possibly understand shoes, we’re just not built that way. 🙂
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Oh dear, this is so realistic and reminds me of someone I know in real life who drives me nuts at times. This particular person splashes out with money big-time and then goes around complaining that she hasn’t any money D: However, I have to admit that shoes are high up on my temptation list.
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The number of shoes and the number of feet have nothing to do with each other, he better learn this. That said, poor guy. She clearly has no sense, for money or otherwise.
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I thought I might get this reaction from some of the ladies. I guess the two sexes will never meet of the subject of shoes.
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I really like so many things in this story. The dialogue was great. I could feel his frustration building. The last line was very evocative.
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Yes, he’s trying everything to get their affairs in order, but ultimately ending the relationship may be all he can do
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He needs to start spending big time, buying what ever he likes/wants, to balance the stakes for when the divorce starts.😉
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Yes poor bloke, he’s working hard to get the debt down whilst she carries on spending. It’s one step forward and two back for him
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Reminds me of the many who ruled and had cupboards full of shoes and dresses. Loved this read.
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Thank-you. Shoes do seem to be things some like to amass and hoard.
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Some shoes have always been important part of Haute couture. 🙂
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maybe the lady should find a job at a department store where she can try all kinds of shoes and satisfy her fetish when nobody’s looking. 🙂
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A department store would be the kiss of death for him, she’s a general hoarder, anything will do as long as there’s a sale tag on it.
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Love that last line… time running out, indeed. Great story!
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Thank-you Amie
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That’s a very realistic image of several relationships I’ve observed. Good one.
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Thanks Sandra, I either know the same people or there’s a lot of it about
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I used to believe that people were being silly when they spoke of shoe-shopping addiction, then I learned that more than one family owed their bankruptcy to the size of their wardrobe. So strange, the things people get attached to (and the numbers!). The frustration comes out so clearly… and the tick-tock is so ominous.
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Thanks. It is strange the things people get addicted to and how they let them affect their lives. It’s like an illness in some cases
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Nicely written tale, Mick. I wonder what his actions will be – divorce of reaching for the nearest knife! The whole shoe thing completely baffles me. I wear trainers, walking boots when it’s cold and wet. And not a lot else. Rest assured, all women are not obsessed with footwear!
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I’m sure they’re not really. 🙂 But there are people who spend and hoard all sorts of stuff without reference to how it affects others. She is one of those, unfortunately for him and his wage packet.
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Whatever you’re buying, it’s ridiculous to spend money you don’t have. And as your character says, she only has two feet – why does she need so many shoes! 🙂
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You’re dead right, I only used shoes because of the prompt but my ex left us with a dozen cheap clocks, we’re still counting the tape measures and already at 20, drill bits, paint brushes, garden furniture enough to supply Kew Gardens, the list goes on. If it said Sale she couldn’t resist, but would never buy just one, she bought in bulk and we had no use for it.
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That’s a fascinatingly eclectic range of items, Michael. When people hoard like that it always makes me wonder what happened to them early on, as if somewhere in the back of their minds ‘stuff’ brings with it a sense of security they didn’t get during their developmental years. Forgive me – just me psychobabbling
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I know but you are right, my mother always thought it was because my ex had so little when she was younger she just craved the feeling of owning things, to the point where it didn’t matter what they were, as long as they were hers.
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She was building a nest – didn’t matter what is was made of.
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This story reflects the reverse of my own relationship – I’m the financial adviser in our family!
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Thanks, it can be tough on the responsible one. 🙂
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I can understand her “need” for shoes… However, not at the expense of ruining a relationship and their finances. It is a very real problem in many a household, I fear!
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Yes, joking aside it can be a mental problem. Not just shoes but overspending to compensate for some other sadness, acquisitiveness for the sake of it and hoarding
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That is so true!
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This is a brilliant story. The conversation is excellently laid out. I found the lines, “You’ve dozens and only two feet.” and “Dog shit’s going for half price at the moment; shall I get a stock in?”, hilarious. I wonder if things will turn out well for this couple.
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Thanks, I’m pleased you like it but I fear things are heading only one way, it won’t end well
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Oh dear!
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Not a fun relationship but I liked how you played with the words.
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Thanks Dawn. Yes, she’s liable to drive him mad
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I remember having a conversation with women at work – I have 40 pairs of shoes – I have at least 50 maybe 55?- Me? Gosh! 70.
I calculated mine ~ 5 pairs of work shoes ~ three comfy, hanging with friend shoes ~ 2 pairs of hiking boots ~ 1 pair X-Country shoes and 1 pair gardening clogs.
I love where you took the prompt. Good dialogue. A perfect showing of angst. Kudos
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Thanks Alicia, great comment. I feel I’ve opened up the great shoes debate.From Rochelle’s, if the shoe fits, buy a pair in every colour to blokes who simply don’t understand. 🙂
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I see we went the same path 😀
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Yes we did. I’ve just seen yours.
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I wonder how many have walked away from a marriage because of shoes.
I havd a friend that your story reminds me of. She’s totally not aware of the stress her husband
feels. A very sad thing. To think – we only have 2 feet. : ) Great dialog …
Isadora 😎
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Thanks Isadora, it’s about the need to hoard stuff as much as anything else. You’re right if someone spends the money irresponsibly it puts a huge strain on the other person in a relationship.
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Thank-you very much for your comment, that’s a huge compliment and I’m pleased you enjoyed it
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Thank-you for this mention, I’m honoured and flettered
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Great story. I loved the dog shit line!
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Thank-you very much for your comment, I’m glad you enjoyed it
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