This piece basically wrote itself. Let me know what you think of me trying a serious piece. It is based on a bit of prose I had to study at GCSE. The last line is loosely similar. Its Leroux based in Erik's pov. Please read and review.
Your Shoes
Today I bought you a pair of shoes. They are just the way you like them, black with new leather and well polished. Not frumpy but elegant. I remember that pair of shoes you used to wear all the time; you said that you could not find a pair so comfortable anywhere. You didn't wear them out in public, that would not have done but when you were in the house you would not wear anything else. I used to polish them when you were out. Did you know? You always wondered how they lasted so well. I used to put the polish on really slowly and rub the cloth along the seams so that the stitching stayed the same black as the leather. The cloth has to be slightly damp to get all the polish off.
I cleaned these shoes for you earlier. So that when you wear them they will shine. Perhaps because I saw more of your feet than I should have done. You used to let me kneel by you sometimes while you sewed. I liked that. Your feet would tap in time with the songs I sang. As long as I faced away from you I could be near enough to smell your perfume.
I am sorry I shouted that time you came home late with him. I didn't understand why you would let him touch you when I couldn't. You just laughed. But it wasn't so hollow as normal. You were smiling darling. I didn't see you all that night or the day after. Perhaps I didn't like him because I didn't know my father. But he was unkind to me. When he saw me he winced. You kept him away most of the time. The comfortable shoes disappeared. He bought you new shoes so stiff and tight I could tell they hurt your feet.
These shoes will not hurt you. They are warm because I put them by the fire. I will curl up there now. I feel tired. When you come home you will put on the new leather shoes and feel my forehead. You will tut and tell me I have not been eating well. You will make the food you made for him and kiss my face. I will sell my drawings and I will look after you because you cared for me. You will never be ill. I hold your shoes to me now. Just so they are ready for you when you come. I lie on your bed and look at your clothes. They are ready for you. Because you did not send me away. Because you did not become ill. Because you did not pull off the mask. Because you did not leave me like she did. Because you kissed me twice so I could save one.
Because you will come soon. You have to come because I have bought your shoes for you. I am tired now. While I am waiting I will sleep and dream of you until you come.
I love you mother .Oh Yes. Oh Yes.