Scarlet Shoe

Long ago, Xitang Cookie's beloved dearest gave her a pair of scarlet shoes. Though she has forgotten his warm smile and and the words he spoke as he gave her the gift, the joy and memory of receiving the gift remains clear. Xitang Cookie wore them on joyous days, just as he once told her to. But fate had a different plan... Since the sboes were adorned with red spider lilies, the flowers of parting, perhaps that's why they were destined to be parted. Still, no matter how bitter and sorrowful her situation, she cannot bring herself with the remaining half of this final gift. As she sits beneath a crumbling wall, she clutches the single remaining shoe, gazing far into the distance. Seeing her sadness, the shoe itself cries in her stead. One day, when Xitang Cookie is reunited with her dearest love, they will be tears of joy.