Sarah Gibson did not have nearly as extensive a wardrobe as Lillian McMillan did, but she did have extensive memories of storming through thrift stores with her sister, Zoe. Shopping sales, putting together outfits in the fitting rooms, laughing together at some of the ridiculous things that had been donated. And, in particular, Sarah remembered one day when she had spied a belted cap-sleeve dress in navy with yellow highlights. It was beautiful, it was by Ralph Lauren, and it was $5.
It was also now the nicest thing in Sarah's closet.
"Put on the navy dress," the voice that came from the shoes implored her. But as Sarah's hand reached for the garment, the voice returned: "Wait!" The girl stopped. "That dress doesn't go with Ugg boots. You'll have to take me off."
"Will I be able to talk to you if I'm not wearing you?"
The shoes sighed. "No. But when you're wearing me, I need to advise you on how to live like Lillian McMillan. And Lillian McMillan would wear that dress, but she would not wear it with these boots."
Sarah thought for a moment. She felt like she'd just gained a new friend, and didn't want to lose her quite so quickly, even if she knew that all she'd have to do is put on a different outfit that went with Ugg boots if she wanted to reconnect. But how would she know what outfit to wear with Ugg boots if she didn't have those very boots to tell her what to wear?
Sarah was beginning to develop a headache. So without much thought she reached for a small stone that was lying on her bed, and before the shoes could send a voice into her head, she announced, "I wish the shoes I am wearing would turn into ballet flats!"
A flash. A blink. And suddenly Sarah was wearing a pair of chestnut-colored leather ballet flats.
"Are you still there?" Sarah asked, slightly giddy.
"I... yes." The shoes lacked the confidence that they'd had just a moment before. Sarah was suddenly concerned.
"Are you hurt? Did I hurt you?"
"Not hurt," the shoes replied. "Just... strange. I've never been this small before. Will need to adjust."
Well, I think I can change into that blue dress now," Sarah said, removing her clothes.
"Something is new," the shoes intoned sluggishly as the girl switched outfits. "Something has changed."
In the McMillan house, Lillian McMillan was descending the stairs to go to her homework room in her comfortable turtleneck and skirt outfit, when the sound of her feet hitting marble tile changed.
Lillian looked down. Had she been wearing ballet flats before? She couldn't remember. But they did match her outfit, so she put the thought out of her mind and continued down the stairs.
