Lace and Tread

I slipped back inside from the drafty balcony and wandered toward the dim entryway. By the front door sat an enormous pair of high-top canvas sneakers, smelling of dry dust and asphalt. I stepped right up to the thick rubber toe cap, craning my neck upward. The thick woven shoelaces hung down like heavy white cords, resting in loose coils against the parquet floor. Kneeling carefully on one knee, I gripped the rough textured lace with both hands. I gave it a slow, deliberate tug, studying the firm, crisscrossed tension binding the eyelets above before resting my palm against the cool canvas.