Etsy/ Peter’s Red Shoes  

Peter’s red leather shoes weren’t his favorites just by chance. They held true meaning because they were a special gift from his parents. He decided to wear his brand-new shoes to school; as they snugged his feet perfectly and though the leather was a deep chestnut red color with orangey undertones, everyone assumed they were simply red. The shoes had a glossy finish that made them stand out and Peter liked how they made him look older.  His parents, Gerad and Heidi, met one summer afternoon while she sat back on a park bench overlooking the lake while reading and casually admiring people walking by. Next thing she knew, a tall, handsome man rushed past her and dropped an object from his bag. Heidi picked up a thick book, only to feel a strong hand grasp the book at the same time. Her blue eyes locked with a pair of intense brown ones, and that became the first spark of a memorable love story.  As the years went by Gerad became a well-known politician who had genuine passion for what he believed in. Heidi became a model housewife who oversaw keeping the house neat and cooking fresh bread every morning. The silence in their home was soon replaced by children's laughter. Peter, who turned 13 the day he got the pair of red shoes, was their first-born and he was often regarded as a kind boy who inherited his father's curiosity. Five years later, his sister Angelica was born. Her clever observations, energetic nature and curly blonde locks made her stand out in any crowd. For a long time, The Schulz family was often described as “perfect”.  

As political tension darkened Germany’s prospects and the imminent threat of war spread across Europe, Peter’s perfect family started to vanish slowly. It was just like a shadow that crept closer and rotted its way inside. On September 1, 1939, chaos didn't just start worldwide; it invaded Peter’s household too.  

Peter witnessed how war had ruined everything. It hadn’t just destroyed businesses, ruined friendships and even killed innocent people; what made it worse was how his parents simply stopped loving each other. He knew that the growing tension and fear that spread across Germany had changed them. His home that used to feel safe, had become tense and broken. His parents were hardly ever in the same room without fighting. The discussion could be heard all over the house. They screamed and fought as if they had never loved each other. Peter couldn't understand it. How can two people who once loved each other so deeply completely change? Every night as his parents fought on the first floor, he would cry himself to sleep wondering what he could do to make everything go back to the way it was.  

One afternoon Peter was playing chess with his little sister. Although Angelica was not the best player, she was determined, and Peter would often let her win as a brotherly gesture. He wanted her to have a reason to smile and to be able to forget the chaos around her for a moment. Suddenly they heard the entrance door open violently and angry footsteps make their way into the hallway. Once again, their parents were fighting. Neither one even attempted to force a smile for their children because they were too wrapped up in with their argument. Peter didn't just feel uncomfortable; he was upset. What could have possibly led to all of this? The children bolted up the stairs, as their feet barely touched the cold floor as they ran. They weren’t just running to their rooms but trying to put as much distance as possible between the chaos downstairs and themselves.   Peter went inside her little sister's room and turned on the radio, so Angelica couldn't listen to their parents’ quarrel. The loud music distracted her and soothed her nerves. Eventually, it seemed as if she had already forgotten the fight, so Peter came out of her room. Just as he crossed the hallway and was about to close the door to his room, he saw his parents coming upstairs and, horrified he watched his father push his mother against the wall and slap her across the face. Heidi’s gaze froze in shock. Her eyes were filled with tears, and when her husband’s hand left her cheek, she ran into her room and locked herself in. Peter’s heart stopped. His last drop of innocence was snatched from his soul. With tears in his eyes, he slammed the door behind him and covered his entire face with both of his hands. He leaned against the door and collapsed on his bedroom floor, heartbroken.  

As he cried crouched holding his knees, he saw his shoes. Peter noticed how they had lost their luster but were still striking. His shoes’ shimmer reminded him of his childhood and the good memories of his past. But he and his shoes weren't the same anymore. They still had the same deep chestnut red color and texture even though the shoe itself did not feel as good as when he was younger. Perhaps if he had been cautious, they would have stayed in good shape. Maybe, if he had taken better care of them or been more attentive, he could have kept them in prime conditions as he did once. He wanted both of his shoes to give him safety and stability. Peter wanted his old shoes back. He was willing to give those red shoes one last stroll. But we aren't just talking about shoes, are we?