It must have happened as I got off the streetcar. The cold against my head, or just a too sudden move of my brain, but I turned around numbers again. At first Otger was mad at me for getting off the streetcar at least three stops too soon. I really had made sure we had the right stop, still I didn't think anything of it. But as we approached 971, there were no shops at all, and I knew full well the Australian Boot Company is stuck between all kinds of other stores. So I checked my arm, I had written the number on my arm when Otger promised me he would not be able to remember it. 791. Shit. Back through all that slush and ankle deep water. Otger, sick from school, on his sneakers, in desperate need of winter boots. Wet to his knees almost. Fortunately we walk past Chippy's, so I can make it up to him. After that, dry socks and nice boots. He is not the only emergency in the store today, the customer before us arrived on All Stars. Everybody sent on their way with wet shoes in a plastic bag and a sturdy pair of Blundstones on their feet.
Two of my boys are still walking around in their All Stars! Must go shopping!