Her eyes were fixed on the fresh, untouched Keds on her feet—sparkling white, as if straight out of the box. She’d been waiting all week to wear these, picturing herself strolling across the city streets, their comfort cradling her every step. But Mother Nature had other plans today.
She gave a soft sigh.
"Why now?" She wondered. It was supposed to be the perfect Saturday—coffee with friends, maybe wandering through a local pop-up shop or two. And of course… showing off her new kicks. They were a symbol of something more than fashion for Jade: a breath of fresh air, a restart, something simple yet significant after a tough few months. Those spotless white Keds were supposed to signal a fresh start for her, adding pep to her step as if new beginnings could really be found in a pair of shoes.
Her toes wiggled absentmindedly inside them. The idea of stepping out the door and watching them turn from blinding white to a soggy mess in seconds felt almost tragic. But was she… actually considering it?
She stood up, pacing a bit in her small, apartment. Her crispy white pants brushed against each other with each step as she hovered near the window. The world outside looked like a glossy, rain-soaked painting, and the air probably smelled of wet earth and adventure.
“Maybe it wouldn’t be so horrible to ruin them just a little.”
The thought crossed her mind and settled there. It was a rebellion of sorts, wasn’t it? Running through the rain, embracing the mess, letting go of the need to keep everything—especially
herself—perfect all the time? She glanced back down at her shoes, pristine and gleaming back at her. A part of her wanted to keep them that way forever. But another part of her—the part that was stirring more loudly now—wanted to live in them. Fully.
A small smile curved on her lips as she stepped towards the door, pulling it open just an inch. A gust of cool, rain-kissed air rushed in, tousling her hair and teasing her skin. Yeah… maybe getting her Keds a little dirty wouldn’t ruin them at all. Maybe, just maybe, it would add a story to them, a proof that she was out there not only walking, but
dashing into life despite the storms.
Jade took a deep breath, slipped her phone into her pocket, and flung the door open. The first droplet splattered on her shoe like a swift declaration, but she didn’t stop. She stepped into the storm, sneakers, and all. Each step turned the white canvas of her Keds into its own pattern of watery streaks, and strangely, she found herself laughing.
Because maybe today wasn’t about keeping things perfect—it was about living boldly, even in the rain.
Especially in the rain.