“HE GOT BUT LEFT HIS SHOES”

“Treatment of life is not the same for everyone”

It was one of those really cold winter days where the chill would pierce your bones and cause your teeth to chatter uncontrollably. As the wind howled, eight-year-old Kavin settled in the abandoned building’s doorway, doing his best to protect himself. The soles of his worn-out boots had become so worn-out that his toes were numb.

For almost a year, Kavin had been without a suitable pair of shoes. His father had lost his job and the family had fallen on hard times. They didn’t have much money, so buying new shoes was an unnecessary luxury. Although Kavin’s mother tried her best to repair his worn-out shoes, they provided minimal defence against the severe winter weather.

Kavin could see a ray of hope down the street as he sat there in a cold sweat. At a donation drive organized by a charitable organization, individuals in need received brand-new shoes in addition to warm coats and gloves. Hurrying there, Kavin’s pulse raced, holding out hope that they would have a pair in his size.

Kavin approached the friendly volunteer with his sneakers in hand, and she grinned sympathetically. “You’re welcome, young man. These ought should fit you well.” Kavin put them on and enjoyed the plush, cushiony texture. His feet weren’t hurting like crazy for the first time he could recall.

Kavin turned to go, but something terrible happened. He was about to step off the pavement when a car with an intoxicated driver came flying around the bend. Kavin never anticipated it. He was thrown several feet by the impact, his little body collapsing into a dead heap.

Now sober with panic, the driver rushed out of the vehicle, crying out in agony. However, it was already too late. With his new shoes smeared with the red colour of his own blood, Kavin had vanished. Ultimately, the bittersweet satisfaction of owning a good pair of shoes was ruined by the harsh, unjust circumstances surrounding his demise.

Kavin’s family was in anguish; the burial expenses had eaten into their little savings. Even when the driver was detained and prosecuted, their suffering did not significantly lessen. The brand-new sneakers were all that remained of their life, a grim reminder of how senselessly it had been taken.