Summer last year, I picked up a pair of ankle boots that were thrown out (left outside a house, on the pavement, which is what people do these days with things they’re happy for people to take — something the Swiss in Zürich were already doing back in 1987).
I was going to see if Sienna, the girl I’ve been delivering to, and collecting from, school (along with her younger brother), would like them. However, at age 10, her feet are already a little too big for the size 3 boots, so I thought I’d take them to the charity shop.
Then, it rained one day, so I wore them on the school run, as they’re waterproof. (I have to wear two pairs of socks to stop my feet from sliding around inside…)
It was raining this morning, so I donned them again for the school run.
On the way to Sienna’s house, I suddenly noticed that her area’s council (= local government) rubbish bins are exactly the same shade of purple as my ankle boots. For the rest of the journey to school, I started to spot more council rubbish bins with that shade of purple.
I’ve never been one to follow trends, hating to join the crowd.
(I used to sport a topknot, but when it became trendy some 15 years ago, I stopped doing it altogether. Wouldn’t be seen following everyone.)
But now, with these purple boots, it looks like I’m being trendy — joining the ranks of the council’s rubbish bins!
(London, 2021)
