A pair of shoes were left by my love on the landing of the stairs to the basement.

They are worn out shoes she left at her home when she was cast out by my bail conditions. They sit there as a reminder. Every time I pass them on my way down into the basement or come up from the basement I see them. Every time it makes me happy and it makes me sad. Happy that we have such a wonderful love, but sad that the justice system has treated her so badly.

I could move the shoes to the closet where I would not see them so often, but I do not. I don't want to. I want to feel the sadness and the pain. I can't explain it, but it is important.