Shoebox Fort and Squeaky Soles

I scrambled out of the luggage row and squeezed beneath the low bench in the shoe section. A red cardboard box was sitting crooked on the carpet, lid popped half-open. I wiggled my way inside, kicking aside the crinkly tissue paper until it puffed up around my waist like a giant paper cloud. Right beside me sat a bright yellow toddler sneaker. I reached out, grabbed its thick rubber heel, and dragged it across the box rim. Squeeeeak! The carton vibrated with a hilarious trumpet sound. I giggled, stomping both heels against the cardboard base to make a tiny drumroll before freezing as a shopper walked by.