TBS Countdown: The Glass Flip-Flop

Today’s boy story comes from the lovely lady (and expectant mother!) over at Marmite and Tea. Her story is adorable. Enjoy.

Lake Como. Home to movie stars and the place we had our first proper, grown up holiday. 

The hotel was small and quaint. The rooms were simple; white linen, iron bed frames, small balconies and gauze curtains, which fluttered in the breeze.

Breakfast was served in the court yard under the shade of an ancient tree. Warm rolls, hot coffee and pastries.

It was the kind of place for romantic speeches and passionate declarations; neither of which were my boyfriend’s stock in trade. Boys in books and movies are generally a lot more romantically and verbally inclined then boys in real life.

One day we went off on a day trip, to find a waterfall, Tom remembered from his childhood camping trips to the area. I believe I was in a bad mood. Okay, I know I was in a bad mood. It was a long walk, through a forest; my flip flops were hurting, I was hot, thirsty and not enjoying the insect attacks. 

Then we came to the river. 

It had a low part, about calf deep, that could be waded across. I was unimpressed. Where was the bridge? I’m sure I made my displeasure known.  

Tom started across and called back to tell me to take my flip flops off; the current was really strong. I refused because the stones were all slimy and gross. I wasn’t putting my feet on them.

I took a hesitant step into the water. As soon as I lifted my foot, my flip flop was wrenched off and swept away.  

I screamed and an epic chase began.
  
Sinking down onto a rock I watched Tom chase after it; calling encouraging things like “You’re never going to catch it!”

Then I started laughing because he looked so funny kind wading and weaving across the river, occasionally ducking and grabbing. The flip flop always just a hands grab away, but so close he couldn’t give up.

Until he was so far away I could barely see him. I began to panic he was suddenly going to hit deep water.  I stood on my rock and started shouting for him to come back, now!

 Eventually he returned, dejected at not having saved my $10 shoe. 

But I can’t say I cared that much. I was just touched that he’d tried and that he let me wear his shoes through the pine needled forest until we found a shop to buy some more in.

So know that the saying is true, actions speak louder than words. And always remove your shoes when crossing running water.

Thank you, Alexa – I love this story!