The Shoes that Were Sold - Niimi Nankichi

    Heisuke, a shoemaker's apprentice, made his first ever pair of shoes. Soon afterward a traveler came along and bought the shoes. This was, of course, the first time Heisuke had sold shoes he’d made to anyone, so he was over the moon with delight. 

     "Sir, I'm giving you this shoe polish and brush, so please take good care of the shoes,” said Heisuke. 

    What an unusual thing to say, the traveler thought as he went on his way. A few moments later, Heisuke followed after the traveler and walked up to him with confident strides.

    "Excuse me, sir. If one of the nails in the soles of the shoes happens to come out, please drive this nail into the sole instead," he said.

    He took a nail out of his pocket and handed it to the man. And then, a little while later, Heisuke—as if suddenly remembering something—ran after the traveler again.

    "Excuse me, sir. Those shoes—please take good care of them." 

    The traveler finally lost his temper. "You’re so annoying! Listen, how I treat these shoes is entirely up to me."

    "Please forgive me," Heisuke apologized. He watched the traveler walk away until he was out of view. I wish that those shoes will always get treated with the love that they deserve, Heisuke thought to himself. 

THE END