W. Bruce Cameron 4/28/11

If the Shoe Fits

W. BRUCE CAMERON

I have a pair of tennis shoes I purchased 25 years ago for $5, so in a way I feel as if I’ve gotten my money’s worth. They are stained and so full of holes that they look like something has been chewing on them at night — though I know it’s not my dog because they make him afraid. Chunks of inner shoe stuff have started falling out when I walk, which can be a little embarrassing in a restaurant.

“Sir, you dropped your, um ...” a waiter will call, his voice faltering when he realizes he doesn’t actually know what he’s found.

“You can keep it,” I always reply, a...