barefoot

On a morning much like this one last week, I walked half way to work just a couple of steps behind a young girl, not older than 12. Her hair was cut short, she wore her school uniform: a blue skirt and black sweater with a white collared shirt below. She carried a grimy orange and black bag slung over her right shoulder, its strap tattered and tied in several knots just to keep it in place. Though barefoot she walked with confidence, negotiating the potholes, mud, and rocks with ease.