The short story was written at the end of 2024. This edited version remains simple in structure and could benefit from improved lexical and grammatical choices. Adding more sensory details might enhance it, though sometimes brief, straightforward stories can be more powerful in sparking thought. Future editing will focus on making the story smoother to read. As it is, it remains clunky.

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The Cobbler

My father replaced his boots only once when I was growing up. As a child, he brought me with him to have the soles replaced. I asked, “Why don’t you just buy a new pair?”

“Because these ones already know me,” he replied.

I didn’t understand the wisdom in his response until I realized the cobbler died and was replaced by a dessert.

What would happen if society brought back the menders of soles? So often, we toss away what still has value but needs mending.

Clothing. Furniture. Boots. People.

Why? Because it is more convenient? Is it? Is it really?

For the cobbler, it’s lifeblood. For the Earth, it is one of many treatments that need to be applied to staunch a bleeding wound. For you, it’s a choice to consume and refuse or to take pride and care in all that makes you… you.