“I don’t know.” I said. “Do I have to wear it?”

“Well it seems a bit silly if you don’t.” she said. “But I won’t tell anyone… and we can hide it in my room if you prefer.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” I replied, almost grimacing. “Dunno what my friends would say if they saw it in my room.”

We strolled in silence for a little while longer until Mum said. “I suppose you’ll be needing shoes too.”

“What kind of shoes?” I hesitantly asked.

“Well… deck shoes would look nice with it.” she replied. “Navy blue or white ones.” she added. “As would a nice pair of Mary Jane’s.”

“Are they girl’s shoes?” I asked, looking up at her. She smiled down on me and nodded. “Remember those T-bar sandals you used to wear for school when you were about six or seven?” she asked. I did. “Well they’re a bit like those.” Mum informed me. “Although deck shoes would be cheaper.”

Whenever we visit the city, Mum likes to browse the discount stores as well as the high street stores. She’s also partial to a bit of charity shopping, and there’s loads. Since it’s a Tuesday, the city isn’t very busy, so as I’m looking for a pair of deck type shoes on the boy’s shelves in TK Maxx, I’m not too embarrassed when Mum appears with a pair of dark blue girl’s shoes for me to try. “I’m a four-and-a-half.” I state when I notice their size is five-and-a-half.

“I know but girl’s shoes are sized a bit smaller than boys, so these should be about right” Mum says. I glance around before discreetly pushing my feet into them. I don’t fasten the buckles but I do stand. “How do they feel?”