Lace Engineering

Spotted a massive high-top sneaker parked on the doormat. *Click.* Black canvas. Thick white rubber. But the laces—tangled chaos. Unacceptable. Clambered onto the toe box. The rubber grip held firm. Reached for a bright neon orange lace. Tugged with both paws. *Clack.* Suddenly, the mail slot above flapped open. Sharp metal clatter. Froze instantly. Scuttled three hops backward behind the cast-iron umbrella stand. Stared. Waited. Just a harmless envelope on the tiles. Crept back out on silent feet. Planted my heels on the tongue, looped the heavy cord twice, and pulled both aglets tight. *Clack-clack.* Symmetrical knot. High-fashion upgrade.