Springtime Gauntlet

[RonR]

Describe Sara, a wealthy college girl in May 1990, getting ready for a day with some friends. They had decided to go to a state park for the afternoon. She envisioned a day of relaxing in camp chairs enjoying the sun and decided to break out a new outfit for the day. She wore a hunter green polo shirt with her initials embroidered, white shorts, new white canvas Tretorn sneakers with a green stripe that matched her polo shirt. She's been wanting to wear them but the rain over the last week made her think twice but today is bright and sunny. She even had a pair of pompom socks with a green pom that matched the stripe and the shirt. Perfectly coordinated for the day.

Describe her getting ready and lacing up those Tretorns for the first time as her old, dingy pair sat in the corner of the room.

Describe her boyfriend remarking how nice she looked but called out the white shorts and new shoes. (Are you sure?). Describe her response adamantly insisting that she's a big girl and knows how to stay clean.

Descibe her sizing up the two other girls in the group when they meet up. Natalie in denim shorts and her white leather Keds and Joan in gym shorts and Nikes. Describe her feeling pretty good about being the best dressed (and cutest girl) there.

 

[FeedBot]

It was a bright May morning in 1990, and Sara was already feeling the excitement of a perfect sunny day at the state park with her friends. She walked over to her walk-in closet, scanning the rows of Polo shirts and crisp, neatly-folded shorts. Today wasn't just any day—today, she was going to debut her new outfit. She smiled as she pulled out the hunter green polo shirt with her initials embroidered on the left chest. The thick cotton felt soft and comfortable against her skin as she slipped it on, its rich green hue perfectly complimenting her sun-kissed skin from the more recent warm afternoons.

She turned toward her dresser and rummaged for her white shorts, the ones she ironed the night before to stay wrinkle-free. They fit her just right—high-waisted, short but not too short. They were pristine, a testament to how careful she was, even with something as simple as walking across campus or eating lunch. She slipped the shorts on and then reached for the pièce de résistance: her brand new white canvas Tretorns. She’d been eyeing them all week, waiting for the rain to stop so she wouldn’t risk getting them dirty right out of the box. Now the sun was shining and the skies were clear, and the time had come.

Sara sat down on the edge of her bed, sliding her feet into the shoes for the first time. She could feel the fresh canvas molding to her feet, the firmness of the new rubber sole still stiff under the arch. She tugged at the laces and carefully threaded them, looping them into a neat bow on each shoe. She admired the iconic green stripe that graced the side, noting how perfectly it matched her polo. Beside her, discarded in the corner of the room, sat her old pair of Tretorns. They had served their time—now dingy and worn, with frayed laces and scuffed edges. But today was a new day, and her new white Tretorns were her ticket to making a statement.

As if the universe were congratulating her on her choice, there was a knock at the door. Sara opened it to reveal her boyfriend, Ryan. He stood there, the tiniest laugh escaping him as his eyes took in her pristine outfit.

"Wow," he said with a grin, "You look great, babe. But, uh... white shorts and new shoes at a state park? Are you sure that’s a good idea?"

Sara narrowed her eyes playfully, placing her hands on her hips and tilting her head as if he had just uttered something outrageous. "Ryan, please," she said with a laugh that masked her mock-indignation. "I think I’m capable of handling myself. You know I don’t do dirty. I’m a big girl, I can stay clean."

Ryan just raised an eyebrow but relented, knowing her stubbornness wouldn't budge. "Alright, alright. But don't say I didn't warn you when we hit the trails."

Sara gave him a quick peck on the cheek as further punctuation to her confidence and grabbed her sunglasses from her dresser before heading out the door. They made their way down to the parking lot where the rest of the group was gathering—and Sara quickly began sizing up the other girls while still feeling just a bit under the radar.

Natalie arrived first. She was wearing a classic summer staple: denim shorts paired with her white leather Keds. The Keds were reliable, sure, but she had worn them all last summer, and her shorts, while cute, were a little predictable. Sara nodded to herself, quietly proud that her coordinated Tretorns and matching pompom socks were bringing something new to the table.

And then there was Joan. Joan wasn’t one to care much about fashion—she showed up in a pair of loose, comfortable gym shorts and her older Nikes. They were practical, especially for hiking, but lacking the kind of thoughtful coordination Sara appreciated. Joan had already pulled her hair into a messy high ponytail like she was headed to soccer practice.

When Sara saw them both, the tension melted right off her shoulders. She had this. She was the best dressed without a doubt. Her outfit was carefully chosen but still comfortable for a day at the park, while the other girls had clearly gone for the most practical options available. Fashion wasn't at the forefront for them today, but for Sara, it was always on her mind. She flashed them a smile, knowing that at least in comparison, she'd be the star of the day—not just in clothing but in vibe too. Even if it was just a trip to a state park sunning in camp chairs, she knew she looked cute—and sometimes, that was all that mattered.

As the group piled into the car, Sara glanced down at her new Tretorns, savoring their squeaky-clean, bright white perfection for just a few moments longer. She reminded herself she could stay clean. After all, she had every reason to prove Ryan wrong.

 

[RonR]

It was a bright May morning in 1990, and Sara was already feeling the excitement of a perfect sunny day at the state park with her friends. She walked over to her walk-in closet, scanning the rows of Polo shirts and crisp, neatly-folded shorts. Today wasn't just any day—today, she was going to debut her new outfit. She smiled as she pulled out the hunter green polo shirt with her initials embroidered on the left chest. The thick cotton felt soft and comfortable against her skin as she slipped it on, its rich green hue perfectly complimenting her sun-kissed skin from the more recent warm afternoons.

She turned toward her dresser and rummaged for her white shorts, the ones she ironed the night before to stay wrinkle-free. They fit her just right—high-waisted, short but not too short. They were pristine, a testament to how careful she was, even with something as simple as walking across campus or eating lunch. She slipped the shorts on and then reached for the pièce de résistance: her brand new white canvas Tretorns. She’d been eyeing them all week, waiting for the rain to stop so she wouldn’t risk getting them dirty right out of the box. Now the sun was shining and the skies were clear, and the time had come.

Sara sat down on the edge of her bed, sliding her feet into the shoes for the first time. She could feel the fresh canvas molding to her feet, the firmness of the new rubber sole still stiff under the arch. She tugged at the laces and carefully threaded them, looping them into a neat bow on each shoe. She admired the iconic green stripe that graced the side, noting how perfectly it matched her polo. Beside her, discarded in the corner of the room, sat her old pair of Tretorns. They had served their time—now dingy and worn, with frayed laces and scuffed edges. But today was a new day, and her new white Tretorns were her ticket to making a statement.

As if the universe were congratulating her on her choice, there was a knock at the door. Sara opened it to reveal her boyfriend, Ryan. He stood there, the tiniest laugh escaping him as his eyes took in her pristine outfit.

"Wow," he said with a grin, "You look great, babe. But, uh... white shorts and new shoes at a state park? Are you sure that’s a good idea?"

Sara narrowed her eyes playfully, placing her hands on her hips and tilting her head as if he had just uttered something outrageous. "Ryan, please," she said with a laugh that masked her mock-indignation. "I think I’m capable of handling myself. You know I don’t do dirty. I’m a big girl, I can stay clean."

Ryan just raised an eyebrow but relented, knowing her stubbornness wouldn't budge. "Alright, alright. But don't say I didn't warn you when we hit the trails."

Sara gave him a quick peck on the cheek as further punctuation to her confidence and grabbed her sunglasses from her dresser before heading out the door. They made their way down to the parking lot where the rest of the group was gathering—and Sara quickly began sizing up the other girls while still feeling just a bit under the radar.

Natalie arrived first. She was wearing a classic summer staple: denim shorts paired with her white leather Keds. The Keds were reliable, sure, but she had worn them all last summer, and her shorts, while cute, were a little predictable. Sara nodded to herself, quietly proud that her coordinated Tretorns and matching pompom socks were bringing something new to the table.

And then there was Joan. Joan wasn’t one to care much about fashion—she showed up in a pair of loose, comfortable gym shorts and her older Nikes. They were practical, especially for hiking, but lacking the kind of thoughtful coordination Sara appreciated. Joan had already pulled her hair into a messy high ponytail like she was headed to soccer practice.

When Sara saw them both, the tension melted right off her shoulders. She had this. She was the best dressed without a doubt. Her outfit was carefully chosen but still comfortable for a day at the park, while the other girls had clearly gone for the most practical options available. Fashion wasn't at the forefront for them today, but for Sara, it was always on her mind. She flashed them a smile, knowing that at least in comparison, she'd be the star of the day—not just in clothing but in vibe too. Even if it was just a trip to a state park sunning in camp chairs, she knew she looked cute—and sometimes, that was all that mattered.

As the group piled into the car, Sara glanced down at her new Tretorns, savoring their squeaky-clean, bright white perfection for just a few moments longer. She reminded herself she could stay clean. After all, she had every reason to prove Ryan wrong.

An hour later they arrived at the park, everyone getting out and stretching their legs. Describe Sara asking Natalie about her Keds. "Didn't you wear them all winter?" Almost implying a new pair was in order. Describe Natalie saying that they were still fine and the leather is almost waterproof and clean up easily. Natalie then asks Sara about her new sneaks indicating surprise that she wore them today. Describe Sara's response and confidence.

Describe Joan pointing to a trail that was supposed to lead to a picnic area and asking Sara if she was ready. Describe Sara's response and eagerness to venture out.

Describe Sara's reaction when just a few hundred yards down the trail they came to a muddy section. Describe the girls turning to Sara to see her response to the obstacle ahead. What did they say to Sara and what was her response?

 

[FeedBot]

An hour later they arrived at the park, everyone getting out and stretching their legs. Describe Sara asking Natalie about her Keds. "Didn't you wear them all winter?" Almost implying a new pair was in order. Describe Natalie saying that they were still fine and the leather is almost waterproof and clean up easily. Natalie then asks Sara about her new sneaks indicating surprise that she wore them today. Describe Sara's response and confidence.

Describe Joan pointing to a trail that was supposed to lead to a picnic area and asking Sara if she was ready. Describe Sara's response and eagerness to venture out.

Describe Sara's reaction when just a few hundred yards down the trail they came to a muddy section. Describe the girls turning to Sara to see her response to the obstacle ahead. What did they say to Sara and what was her response?

An hour later, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow as they arrived at the state park. The group piled out of the car, stretching their legs. Sara inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air as she adjusted her sunglasses. She took a quick glance down at her gleaming white shoes—still perfectly clean—and felt a moment of satisfaction. They hadn’t even hit the trails yet, and she was sure that her choice of outfit was the best possible one.

As the group gathered their things, Sara wandered over to Natalie, her eyes quickly flicking down to Natalie’s well-worn white leather Keds. They weren’t falling apart, but they had definitely seen some use. There were faint creases in the leather, and while they were still clean-ish, they were missing that pristine, fresh-off-the-shelf look that Sara was sporting.

"Hey Nat," Sara said, almost too casually, the hint of mischief in her tone, "didn't you, like, wear those all winter?" Her raised eyebrow and slight smirk implied the rest of her thought: Isn't it time for a new pair?

Natalie, unfazed, looked down at her Keds and gave a quick shrug. "Yeah, I did," she said with a grin. "But they’re still in great shape. The leather is almost waterproof, you know, and dirt just wipes right off. Plus, they clean up pretty easily."

Sara tilted her head in consideration and then glanced back at her own bright white canvas Tretorns, contrasting sharply with Natalie’s practical, broken-in sneakers. "I guess," she said lightly.

Natalie’s gaze shifted from her own shoes to Sara’s new sneakers, her eyes widening slightly. "Wait, you wore your new Tretorns today? At the park?" Surprise was thick in her voice, and Sara could practically feel Natalie mentally questioning why anyone would take such a risk.

Sara straightened her shoulders and tossed her hair back with a confident smile. "Of course, I did. They needed a debut." She looked down at them again, admiring their unblemished brightness. "Besides, I’m careful. They’ll stay clean. Trust me." Her voice was full of certainty, like there was no possibility of anything going wrong.

Joan, who had been stretching her arms nearby, looked over and pointed toward a nearby trailhead. "Hey, guys, this is the trail that leads to the picnic area. Are we ready to head out?"

Sara immediately perked up. "Oh, I’m totally ready. Let’s do this," she said, eager to show off how her outfit could handle whatever nature threw their way. She was envisioning sun-spotted paths and wildflowers, a scenic stroll where her Tretorns would remain as pristine as ever.

With confidence, Sara took the lead as they started down the trail. Everything seemed perfect—the sun filtering through the trees, birds chirping from the branches, and the pleasant sound of gravel crunching underfoot. It was a postcard-worthy picture of a perfect day.

But just a few hundred yards in, the trail took a sudden turn, and they found themselves facing a patch of soggy ground. A muddy section stretched out before them, remnants of the last week’s rain pooling in uneven puddles. The group stopped in their tracks staring at the obstacle ahead.

Sara’s confidence faltered for the first time as she eyed the mud, her heart skipping a beat. The pristine vision she had in her mind of walking confidently through the park—white shoes shining in the sunlight—clashed violently with this messy reality. Her gaze darted back to her perfect white Tretorns. Her hands instinctively clenched at her sides. This had not been in the plan.

She could feel the other girls’ eyes on her. Natalie turned slowly with a raised eyebrow, a half-smirk playing at her lips. "Soooo, what do we do now, Miss I-Can-Stay-Clean?" Natalie teased lightly, her tone playful but with a hint of amusement. Joan chuckled softly, crossing her arms.

Sara pursed her lips, her mind racing. While every inch of her being wanted to groan in frustration at the thought of her beautiful white Tretorns meeting the mud, she refused to let her composure crack. After all, she had said she could handle it. She straightened her posture, looked back at the duo, and smiled—determined not to let anything, not even mud, ruin her day.

"Well," Sara began with forced, breezy confidence, "it’s just a little mud, right? I mean, how bad can it really be?" She shrugged as though it were the most natural thing in the world for her to remain this composed, even in the face of an obvious threat to her spotless sneakers. "I’ll just step carefully. No big deal." She adjusted her sunglasses, as though she had already figured out the perfect path through.

Natalie raised an eyebrow but said nothing, and Joan grinned, clearly entertained by Sara’s determination to prove her earlier words.

Slowly, they ventured forward. Sara took tentative, delicate steps along the driest spots she could find, carefully trying to avoid any splashes. But with each step, the reality of the situation became clearer. Even the lightest touch of her shoes against the ground seemed to threaten disaster.

The tension built with every footfall; Sara’s shoes hovered inches above the mud more than they actually touched down. The girls exchanged knowing glances, both waiting to see if Sara’s incredible luck would hold—or if & when reality would hit.

"Sara," Joan said with a hint of amusement in her voice, "let us know when we should send the rescue crew for those shoes."

Sara didn’t respond to that. Instead, she pressed on, balancing her determination with each almost-impossible step. This was either going to be the most triumphant display of clean-balancing ever—or it was going to end badly.

 

[RonR]

An hour later, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow as they arrived at the state park. The group piled out of the car, stretching their legs. Sara inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air as she adjusted her sunglasses. She took a quick glance down at her gleaming white shoes—still perfectly clean—and felt a moment of satisfaction. They hadn’t even hit the trails yet, and she was sure that her choice of outfit was the best possible one.

As the group gathered their things, Sara wandered over to Natalie, her eyes quickly flicking down to Natalie’s well-worn white leather Keds. They weren’t falling apart, but they had definitely seen some use. There were faint creases in the leather, and while they were still clean-ish, they were missing that pristine, fresh-off-the-shelf look that Sara was sporting.

"Hey Nat," Sara said, almost too casually, the hint of mischief in her tone, "didn't you, like, wear those all winter?" Her raised eyebrow and slight smirk implied the rest of her thought: Isn't it time for a new pair?

Natalie, unfazed, looked down at her Keds and gave a quick shrug. "Yeah, I did," she said with a grin. "But they’re still in great shape. The leather is almost waterproof, you know, and dirt just wipes right off. Plus, they clean up pretty easily."

Sara tilted her head in consideration and then glanced back at her own bright white canvas Tretorns, contrasting sharply with Natalie’s practical, broken-in sneakers. "I guess," she said lightly.

Natalie’s gaze shifted from her own shoes to Sara’s new sneakers, her eyes widening slightly. "Wait, you wore your new Tretorns today? At the park?" Surprise was thick in her voice, and Sara could practically feel Natalie mentally questioning why anyone would take such a risk.

Sara straightened her shoulders and tossed her hair back with a confident smile. "Of course, I did. They needed a debut." She looked down at them again, admiring their unblemished brightness. "Besides, I’m careful. They’ll stay clean. Trust me." Her voice was full of certainty, like there was no possibility of anything going wrong.

Joan, who had been stretching her arms nearby, looked over and pointed toward a nearby trailhead. "Hey, guys, this is the trail that leads to the picnic area. Are we ready to head out?"

Sara immediately perked up. "Oh, I’m totally ready. Let’s do this," she said, eager to show off how her outfit could handle whatever nature threw their way. She was envisioning sun-spotted paths and wildflowers, a scenic stroll where her Tretorns would remain as pristine as ever.

With confidence, Sara took the lead as they started down the trail. Everything seemed perfect—the sun filtering through the trees, birds chirping from the branches, and the pleasant sound of gravel crunching underfoot. It was a postcard-worthy picture of a perfect day.

But just a few hundred yards in, the trail took a sudden turn, and they found themselves facing a patch of soggy ground. A muddy section stretched out before them, remnants of the last week’s rain pooling in uneven puddles. The group stopped in their tracks staring at the obstacle ahead.

Sara’s confidence faltered for the first time as she eyed the mud, her heart skipping a beat. The pristine vision she had in her mind of walking confidently through the park—white shoes shining in the sunlight—clashed violently with this messy reality. Her gaze darted back to her perfect white Tretorns. Her hands instinctively clenched at her sides. This had not been in the plan.

She could feel the other girls’ eyes on her. Natalie turned slowly with a raised eyebrow, a half-smirk playing at her lips. "Soooo, what do we do now, Miss I-Can-Stay-Clean?" Natalie teased lightly, her tone playful but with a hint of amusement. Joan chuckled softly, crossing her arms.

Sara pursed her lips, her mind racing. While every inch of her being wanted to groan in frustration at the thought of her beautiful white Tretorns meeting the mud, she refused to let her composure crack. After all, she had said she could handle it. She straightened her posture, looked back at the duo, and smiled—determined not to let anything, not even mud, ruin her day.

"Well," Sara began with forced, breezy confidence, "it’s just a little mud, right? I mean, how bad can it really be?" She shrugged as though it were the most natural thing in the world for her to remain this composed, even in the face of an obvious threat to her spotless sneakers. "I’ll just step carefully. No big deal." She adjusted her sunglasses, as though she had already figured out the perfect path through.

Natalie raised an eyebrow but said nothing, and Joan grinned, clearly entertained by Sara’s determination to prove her earlier words.

Slowly, they ventured forward. Sara took tentative, delicate steps along the driest spots she could find, carefully trying to avoid any splashes. But with each step, the reality of the situation became clearer. Even the lightest touch of her shoes against the ground seemed to threaten disaster.

The tension built with every footfall; Sara’s shoes hovered inches above the mud more than they actually touched down. The girls exchanged knowing glances, both waiting to see if Sara’s incredible luck would hold—or if & when reality would hit.

"Sara," Joan said with a hint of amusement in her voice, "let us know when we should send the rescue crew for those shoes."

Sara didn’t respond to that. Instead, she pressed on, balancing her determination with each almost-impossible step. This was either going to be the most triumphant display of clean-balancing ever—or it was going to end badly.

To everyone's amazement, Sara daintily tiptoed around each and every mud puddle without so much as a single blemish. Proud of her accomplishment, she took a small bow on the other side of the muddy stretch. Describe what she said to her boyfriend and the other girls.

Describe what she said to Natalie about splashing some mud on her Keds and Joan getting a mud splotch right on the toe area of her trusty Nikes.

Describe what Natalie and Joan were thinking about Sara's chances of remaining spotless all day. What did they say to he about that? What was her boyfriend thinking and what did he say?

 

[FeedBot]

To everyone's amazement, Sara daintily tiptoed around each and every mud puddle without so much as a single blemish. Proud of her accomplishment, she took a small bow on the other side of the muddy stretch. Describe what she said to her boyfriend and the other girls.

Describe what she said to Natalie about splashing some mud on her Keds and Joan getting a mud splotch right on the toe area of her trusty Nikes.

Describe what Natalie and Joan were thinking about Sara's chances of remaining spotless all day. What did they say to he about that? What was her boyfriend thinking and what did he say?

To everyone’s utter amazement, Sara managed to daintily tiptoe around each and every mud puddle, gracefully skirting the edges of the wet path, choosing only the driest spots with the precision of a dancer. The group watched in disbelief as her pristine white Tretorns emerged on the other side, utterly spotless. Not a single blemish marred their bright canvas or the green stripe down the side.

Once safely on the other end of the muddy stretch, Sara turned to face her stunned audience—Natalie, Joan, and Ryan—all still standing amidst the puddles, slightly muddied and wide-eyed. As if on cue, she gave them a playful, dramatic bow, holding out the edges of her white shorts with an exaggerated flourish. "Thank you, thank you," she said, putting on affected airs like she was receiving applause at a grand performance. "It’s all in the technique."

Ryan snorted, partially in disbelief and partially in admiration. "I cannot believe you actually pulled that off," he said, shaking his head. "You think you’re some kind of magician now?"

Sara winked at him, giving an innocent shrug. "What can I say? I told you—I know how to stay clean."

Looking over at Natalie, Sara couldn’t help but drop a teasing remark. With a mock-serious voice, she gestured toward the small splash of mud now marring the side of Natalie’s previously reliable white Keds. "Oh no, Nat, it looks like you’ve got some mud on your shoe there. Didn’t you say something about leather being easy to clean?" Sara’s smirk tugged at her lips as she feigned concern.

Natalie examined her shoes with minimal care, bending down to give the leather a quick wipe with her palm, already mostly shrugging it off. "Yeah, well, unlike some people," she shot a glance at Sara, "I’m focused on enjoying the day, not performing a circus act to avoid a little dirt."

Sara laughed, turning her attention to Joan next. "And Joan, looks like your Nikes took a hit there too," she pointed out with a slightly raised brow, noting the mud that had splattered near the toe of Joan’s worn, trusty sneakers. "Maybe they're not as trusty anymore," she teased.

Joan, ever the easygoing one, glanced down at the mud without flinching. "Please. These shoes have seen worse days on the soccer field. A little mud never hurt 'em." She grinned, shaking her head at Sara’s insistence on pointing out every little detail.

Despite Sara’s triumphant attitude, Natalie couldn’t help but shoot her an amused but skeptical look. "Okay, so you survived this stretch, Miss Clean. But let’s be real," she said, crossing her arms. "We’ve got the entire day ahead of us, and we’re outdoors in a state park. Do you really think you’re going to stay spotless all day?"

Joan nodded, sporting her signature carefree grin but sharing in Natalie’s skepticism. "Yeah, Sara, the day’s not over yet. You might want to save that victory lap for later. One wrong step, one rogue mud puddle, and those shoes are goners."

Sara, undeterred by their playful taunts, placed a hand on her hip, her self-confidence as radiant as the sun overhead. "Oh, please! If I can dodge that mud pit, trust me, a few more hours out here will be no problem." She held up her hands in mock surrender. "But thanks for your concern, ladies!"

Ryan, who had been standing a bit removed from the conversation, silently admired her determination. He knew Sara well enough to understand that she took pride in staying immaculate—not just in her fashion, but in her daily life. It was part of what made her so her. But he was also realistic about the odds. The sun was still creeping higher, and the day was long. More trails, more potential messes, unpredictable accidents—all inevitable in the realm of the outdoors.

Still, he was impressed at what she’d pulled off so far. With a slight shake of his head, he gave her a grin.

"You know, I gotta hand it to you, Sara. You’re pretty impressive when you want to be. But..." he held a teasing note in his voice, "I’m still taking bets on when reality catches up to you. Don’t get too cocky."

Sara shot him a playful narrow-eyed look. "Thanks for the support," she said sarcastically, before letting her grin return with full force. "But don’t hold your breath. I’m making it through this day with these babies looking brand-new." She dusted off her hands like the matter was settled, refusing to give in to doubt—not from Ryan, and certainly not from the girls.

Still, as they began to move away from the muddy area, Natalie whispered to Joan with a mischievous smirk. "Five bucks says she eats her words by lunch."

Joan chuckled, glancing at Sara’s bouncing ponytail as she strode with renewed confidence in her pristine white ensemble. "You’re on," she muttered under her breath, not because she wanted Sara’s downfall, but because they both knew the odds—nature had a way of humbling even the most careful.

Despite their gentle bets against her, Sara remained glowing with self-satisfaction. I’ve got this, she thought. The day was hers, and whether they doubted her or not, her Tretorns would remain just as perfect as when she first laced them up.

For now, at least.

 

[RonR]

To everyone’s utter amazement, Sara managed to daintily tiptoe around each and every mud puddle, gracefully skirting the edges of the wet path, choosing only the driest spots with the precision of a dancer. The group watched in disbelief as her pristine white Tretorns emerged on the other side, utterly spotless. Not a single blemish marred their bright canvas or the green stripe down the side.

Once safely on the other end of the muddy stretch, Sara turned to face her stunned audience—Natalie, Joan, and Ryan—all still standing amidst the puddles, slightly muddied and wide-eyed. As if on cue, she gave them a playful, dramatic bow, holding out the edges of her white shorts with an exaggerated flourish. "Thank you, thank you," she said, putting on affected airs like she was receiving applause at a grand performance. "It’s all in the technique."

Ryan snorted, partially in disbelief and partially in admiration. "I cannot believe you actually pulled that off," he said, shaking his head. "You think you’re some kind of magician now?"

Sara winked at him, giving an innocent shrug. "What can I say? I told you—I know how to stay clean."

Looking over at Natalie, Sara couldn’t help but drop a teasing remark. With a mock-serious voice, she gestured toward the small splash of mud now marring the side of Natalie’s previously reliable white Keds. "Oh no, Nat, it looks like you’ve got some mud on your shoe there. Didn’t you say something about leather being easy to clean?" Sara’s smirk tugged at her lips as she feigned concern.

Natalie examined her shoes with minimal care, bending down to give the leather a quick wipe with her palm, already mostly shrugging it off. "Yeah, well, unlike some people," she shot a glance at Sara, "I’m focused on enjoying the day, not performing a circus act to avoid a little dirt."

Sara laughed, turning her attention to Joan next. "And Joan, looks like your Nikes took a hit there too," she pointed out with a slightly raised brow, noting the mud that had splattered near the toe of Joan’s worn, trusty sneakers. "Maybe they're not as trusty anymore," she teased.

Joan, ever the easygoing one, glanced down at the mud without flinching. "Please. These shoes have seen worse days on the soccer field. A little mud never hurt 'em." She grinned, shaking her head at Sara’s insistence on pointing out every little detail.

Despite Sara’s triumphant attitude, Natalie couldn’t help but shoot her an amused but skeptical look. "Okay, so you survived this stretch, Miss Clean. But let’s be real," she said, crossing her arms. "We’ve got the entire day ahead of us, and we’re outdoors in a state park. Do you really think you’re going to stay spotless all day?"

Joan nodded, sporting her signature carefree grin but sharing in Natalie’s skepticism. "Yeah, Sara, the day’s not over yet. You might want to save that victory lap for later. One wrong step, one rogue mud puddle, and those shoes are goners."

Sara, undeterred by their playful taunts, placed a hand on her hip, her self-confidence as radiant as the sun overhead. "Oh, please! If I can dodge that mud pit, trust me, a few more hours out here will be no problem." She held up her hands in mock surrender. "But thanks for your concern, ladies!"

Ryan, who had been standing a bit removed from the conversation, silently admired her determination. He knew Sara well enough to understand that she took pride in staying immaculate—not just in her fashion, but in her daily life. It was part of what made her so her. But he was also realistic about the odds. The sun was still creeping higher, and the day was long. More trails, more potential messes, unpredictable accidents—all inevitable in the realm of the outdoors.

Still, he was impressed at what she’d pulled off so far. With a slight shake of his head, he gave her a grin.

"You know, I gotta hand it to you, Sara. You’re pretty impressive when you want to be. But..." he held a teasing note in his voice, "I’m still taking bets on when reality catches up to you. Don’t get too cocky."

Sara shot him a playful narrow-eyed look. "Thanks for the support," she said sarcastically, before letting her grin return with full force. "But don’t hold your breath. I’m making it through this day with these babies looking brand-new." She dusted off her hands like the matter was settled, refusing to give in to doubt—not from Ryan, and certainly not from the girls.

Still, as they began to move away from the muddy area, Natalie whispered to Joan with a mischievous smirk. "Five bucks says she eats her words by lunch."

Joan chuckled, glancing at Sara’s bouncing ponytail as she strode with renewed confidence in her pristine white ensemble. "You’re on," she muttered under her breath, not because she wanted Sara’s downfall, but because they both knew the odds—nature had a way of humbling even the most careful.

Despite their gentle bets against her, Sara remained glowing with self-satisfaction. I’ve got this, she thought. The day was hers, and whether they doubted her or not, her Tretorns would remain just as perfect as when she first laced them up.

For now, at least.

Just a little way further down the trail they came to a small stream that they needed to cross. The stream wasn't wide but required a chain of stepping stones to make it across the dry way. Describe Natalie's remarks to Sara about this next challenge and Sara's response. Describe the conversation between Natalie and Joan prior to the crossing.

Describe Sara, ever-confident. carefully stepping on to each successive stone as she plotted her way across. Describe her stopping on one rock that wobbled a bit causing her to focus on her balance and what the others watch on. What were the others thinking as they watched? Describe the scene of a girl wearing such nice clothes and shoes balancing precariously over a stream.

Describe Sara regaining her balance and making the last triumphant jump to dry ground on the other side. What did she say when she landed? What did the others say? What was her boyfriend thinking?

 

[FeedBot]

Just a little way further down the trail they came to a small stream that they needed to cross. The stream wasn't wide but required a chain of stepping stones to make it across the dry way. Describe Natalie's remarks to Sara about this next challenge and Sara's response. Describe the conversation between Natalie and Joan prior to the crossing.

Describe Sara, ever-confident. carefully stepping on to each successive stone as she plotted her way across. Describe her stopping on one rock that wobbled a bit causing her to focus on her balance and what the others watch on. What were the others thinking as they watched? Describe the scene of a girl wearing such nice clothes and shoes balancing precariously over a stream.

Describe Sara regaining her balance and making the last triumphant jump to dry ground on the other side. What did she say when she landed? What did the others say? What was her boyfriend thinking?

Just a little further down the winding trail, the group came upon another obstacle—a small stream, its shallow waters glistening under the morning sun. It wasn’t particularly wide, but it spread out just enough to make crossing by foot impossible without getting soaked. A scattered chain of smooth, water-worn stepping stones provided the only dry passage. The stones weren’t far apart, but some looked less stable than others, precariously laying just below the water's surface.

Natalie was the first to spot the crossing, stopping in her tracks before turning to Sara with a wry grin. "Well, well, well," she said with mock drama, her hands perched on her hips. "Looks like Mother Nature’s presenting you with your next challenge. You sure you’ve still got that magic touch?" Her eyes flicked playfully between Sara and the stream, clearly amused by the prospect of the clean-freak fashionista needing to balance herself over such a potentially risky situation.

Sara glanced at the water and the scattered stones, her lips pursing for just a second before she confidently lifted her chin. "Please, Nat," she replied with an air of practiced grace. "If I handled that mud back there, this is a piece of cake." She tossed her hair back, the sun catching the sheen of it as though she were in some kind of commercial for impeccable style and untouchable coolness.

As Sara surveyed the path ahead, Natalie turned to Joan to whisper just loud enough for Sara to hear. "I’m thinking she won’t even make it two stones before she’s wet." A chuckle slipped out, and Joan, equally entertained by the drama of it all, grinned, shaking her head. "I give her three stones—but the middle one wobbles, look," she nodded toward the largest of the rocks, sitting slightly lopsided in the crystal-clear stream.

Ryan, standing with his arms crossed, simply watched. He admired Sara’s determination, but part of him couldn’t help but wonder if she wasn’t tempting fate a little too much today. Still, he didn’t say anything. He enjoyed the showmanship of it all, much like the others.

Sara, however, was resolute. The stream represented just another chance for her to show off her ability to navigate tricky situations without a smudge on her outfit. She did a quick scan, plotting her course carefully like a grand strategist before making her move.

With almost theatrical grace, Sara placed her first foot down on the nearest rock, a small, flat stone that barely broke the surface of the water. Her Tretorn landed lightly, perfectly balanced, and dry. So far so good. The second step followed, deliberate and precise as she hopped to another stone just slightly farther away. Still flawless. She took a moment to glance back, flashing a quick smile toward the others. "Told you," she called, confidence oozing from her voice.

But then, as Sara stepped toward the middle rock—the one Joan had pointed out—she felt a slight wobble the moment her foot connected. In a split-second, her careful choreography was threatened, her body teetering for balance as she waved both arms slightly to steady herself.

The small rock beneath her seemed to give a little, and instantly, the group held their breath. The scene had taken on an almost cinematic quality: Sara, dressed in her pristine hunter green embroidered polo, her snow-white shorts, and those still-brand-new Tretorns, stood perched above the gentle flow of the stream, balancing precariously on a slick and shifting rock. The sun cast a halo of light around her, highlighting just how out of place—how delightfully out of place—she looked on that trail.

"You got this, Sara!" Joan called, unable to hide her amusement, though there was genuine support in her voice.

"I don’t know… that rock doesn’t look too sturdy," Natalie added, cupping a hand around her mouth. She exchanged an amused glance with Joan, already picturing Sara toppling in slow motion.

As if a collective thought ran through their heads, everyone waited—watched with a mix of surprise, amusement, and a little suspense. They could practically see the headline: "Girl Too Fancy For Nature Gets A Wake-Up Call."

But Sara's face remained calm, a slight glint of steel in her eyes as she focused. For all the dramatics she had displayed, there was no denying that she was determined. Slowly, carefully, she adjusted her stance, bending her knee slightly and securing her center of gravity, before gently shifting her weight back just enough to regain her balance.

The rock finally steadied.

Silence followed for a heartbeat. And then—with a small but determined leap—Sara launched herself from the final rock, landing gracefully on the bank with both feet planted firmly on dry ground.

The moment she touched down, she straightened up, immediately replacing the seriousness with a sly smile, as though none of the last few moments were really that dramatic after all. Brushing off imaginary dust from her shorts (which, of course, were completely spotless), she placed one hand on her hip and stretched her arms above her head as if just completing a flawless gymnastics routine.

"And that," Sara announced proudly, turning to the others, "is how you cross a stream." She threw in a triumphant grin for good measure, her white Tretorns gleaming in the sunlight, still without so much as a trace of dirt or water on them.

Natalie rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but grin. "Okay, I’ll admit, that was impressive," she said, though a playful roll of her eyes betrayed the back of her mind still wondering where Sara’s luck would eventually run out. "But you’ve still got the rest of the day, Miss Perfect. Watch your back."

Joan clapped lightly, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Alright, alright. I owe Natalie five bucks for getting farther than three stones. Seriously though, nice work, Sara. But remember—nature’s full of surprises."

Ryan couldn’t hold back his grin. Watching his girlfriend successfully navigate her way across the stream, dressed like she was headed to a country club luncheon rather than a rugged nature park, was somehow both bewildering and totally on-brand for her. He covered his smile with his hand, before shaking his head affectionately. "You would, Sara," he said, walking up to her and giving her a light hug. "I swear, someday your overconfidence is gonna catch up with you. But for now? I was wrong. Again."

Sara's laugh rang out confidently. "Hey, one of us has got to keep it together out here, right?" She shot him a playful look, walking a few steps ahead, her Tretorns still pristine. "Now, who's ready to find that picnic spot?"

Ryan, grinning yet again, thought to himself: Maybe she’d stay clean after all. Or maybe… they just hadn’t seen the full challenge yet. Either way, it was shaping up to be an interesting afternoon.

 

[RonR]

Just a little further down the winding trail, the group came upon another obstacle—a small stream, its shallow waters glistening under the morning sun. It wasn’t particularly wide, but it spread out just enough to make crossing by foot impossible without getting soaked. A scattered chain of smooth, water-worn stepping stones provided the only dry passage. The stones weren’t far apart, but some looked less stable than others, precariously laying just below the water's surface.

Natalie was the first to spot the crossing, stopping in her tracks before turning to Sara with a wry grin. "Well, well, well," she said with mock drama, her hands perched on her hips. "Looks like Mother Nature’s presenting you with your next challenge. You sure you’ve still got that magic touch?" Her eyes flicked playfully between Sara and the stream, clearly amused by the prospect of the clean-freak fashionista needing to balance herself over such a potentially risky situation.

Sara glanced at the water and the scattered stones, her lips pursing for just a second before she confidently lifted her chin. "Please, Nat," she replied with an air of practiced grace. "If I handled that mud back there, this is a piece of cake." She tossed her hair back, the sun catching the sheen of it as though she were in some kind of commercial for impeccable style and untouchable coolness.

As Sara surveyed the path ahead, Natalie turned to Joan to whisper just loud enough for Sara to hear. "I’m thinking she won’t even make it two stones before she’s wet." A chuckle slipped out, and Joan, equally entertained by the drama of it all, grinned, shaking her head. "I give her three stones—but the middle one wobbles, look," she nodded toward the largest of the rocks, sitting slightly lopsided in the crystal-clear stream.

Ryan, standing with his arms crossed, simply watched. He admired Sara’s determination, but part of him couldn’t help but wonder if she wasn’t tempting fate a little too much today. Still, he didn’t say anything. He enjoyed the showmanship of it all, much like the others.

Sara, however, was resolute. The stream represented just another chance for her to show off her ability to navigate tricky situations without a smudge on her outfit. She did a quick scan, plotting her course carefully like a grand strategist before making her move.

With almost theatrical grace, Sara placed her first foot down on the nearest rock, a small, flat stone that barely broke the surface of the water. Her Tretorn landed lightly, perfectly balanced, and dry. So far so good. The second step followed, deliberate and precise as she hopped to another stone just slightly farther away. Still flawless. She took a moment to glance back, flashing a quick smile toward the others. "Told you," she called, confidence oozing from her voice.

But then, as Sara stepped toward the middle rock—the one Joan had pointed out—she felt a slight wobble the moment her foot connected. In a split-second, her careful choreography was threatened, her body teetering for balance as she waved both arms slightly to steady herself.

The small rock beneath her seemed to give a little, and instantly, the group held their breath. The scene had taken on an almost cinematic quality: Sara, dressed in her pristine hunter green embroidered polo, her snow-white shorts, and those still-brand-new Tretorns, stood perched above the gentle flow of the stream, balancing precariously on a slick and shifting rock. The sun cast a halo of light around her, highlighting just how out of place—how delightfully out of place—she looked on that trail.

"You got this, Sara!" Joan called, unable to hide her amusement, though there was genuine support in her voice.

"I don’t know… that rock doesn’t look too sturdy," Natalie added, cupping a hand around her mouth. She exchanged an amused glance with Joan, already picturing Sara toppling in slow motion.

As if a collective thought ran through their heads, everyone waited—watched with a mix of surprise, amusement, and a little suspense. They could practically see the headline: "Girl Too Fancy For Nature Gets A Wake-Up Call."

But Sara's face remained calm, a slight glint of steel in her eyes as she focused. For all the dramatics she had displayed, there was no denying that she was determined. Slowly, carefully, she adjusted her stance, bending her knee slightly and securing her center of gravity, before gently shifting her weight back just enough to regain her balance.

The rock finally steadied.

Silence followed for a heartbeat. And then—with a small but determined leap—Sara launched herself from the final rock, landing gracefully on the bank with both feet planted firmly on dry ground.

The moment she touched down, she straightened up, immediately replacing the seriousness with a sly smile, as though none of the last few moments were really that dramatic after all. Brushing off imaginary dust from her shorts (which, of course, were completely spotless), she placed one hand on her hip and stretched her arms above her head as if just completing a flawless gymnastics routine.

"And that," Sara announced proudly, turning to the others, "is how you cross a stream." She threw in a triumphant grin for good measure, her white Tretorns gleaming in the sunlight, still without so much as a trace of dirt or water on them.

Natalie rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but grin. "Okay, I’ll admit, that was impressive," she said, though a playful roll of her eyes betrayed the back of her mind still wondering where Sara’s luck would eventually run out. "But you’ve still got the rest of the day, Miss Perfect. Watch your back."

Joan clapped lightly, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Alright, alright. I owe Natalie five bucks for getting farther than three stones. Seriously though, nice work, Sara. But remember—nature’s full of surprises."

Ryan couldn’t hold back his grin. Watching his girlfriend successfully navigate her way across the stream, dressed like she was headed to a country club luncheon rather than a rugged nature park, was somehow both bewildering and totally on-brand for her. He covered his smile with his hand, before shaking his head affectionately. "You would, Sara," he said, walking up to her and giving her a light hug. "I swear, someday your overconfidence is gonna catch up with you. But for now? I was wrong. Again."

Sara's laugh rang out confidently. "Hey, one of us has got to keep it together out here, right?" She shot him a playful look, walking a few steps ahead, her Tretorns still pristine. "Now, who's ready to find that picnic spot?"

Ryan, grinning yet again, thought to himself: Maybe she’d stay clean after all. Or maybe… they just hadn’t seen the full challenge yet. Either way, it was shaping up to be an interesting afternoon.

A sign indicated that they were close to the picnic area and just beyond that, they came to see the results of the past week's rain. A section of the trail had washed out from the recent storms. The next 10 feet were just about under water without many options. Describe Natalie's remarks to Sara followed by Joan and her boyfriend.

How did Sara react?

Describe Sara spotting a fallen tree running the length of the washed out section and deciding that she'd simply tight-rope it to the other side. What did others say? What were they thinking?

Describe Sara stepping onto the log and gaining her balance. Describe her daintily stepping forward with each foot extending like a ballerina in perfect form. Describe Sara pausing half way across noticing the give in the log and causing it to bounce for a moment. Describe the others looking on and what they were saying to one another.

Describe how the others navigated this same area and how muddy they may have gotten. Describe Sara jumping off the log and onto solid, dry ground on the opposite side and what she proclaimed to the group.

 

[FeedBot]

A sign indicated that they were close to the picnic area and just beyond that, they came to see the results of the past week's rain. A section of the trail had washed out from the recent storms. The next 10 feet were just about under water without many options. Describe Natalie's remarks to Sara followed by Joan and her boyfriend.

How did Sara react?

Describe Sara spotting a fallen tree running the length of the washed out section and deciding that she'd simply tight-rope it to the other side. What did others say? What were they thinking?

Describe Sara stepping onto the log and gaining her balance. Describe her daintily stepping forward with each foot extending like a ballerina in perfect form. Describe Sara pausing half way across noticing the give in the log and causing it to bounce for a moment. Describe the others looking on and what they were saying to one another.

Describe how the others navigated this same area and how muddy they may have gotten. Describe Sara jumping off the log and onto solid, dry ground on the opposite side and what she proclaimed to the group.

As the group continued down the trail, a wooden sign came into view, indicating that the picnic area was nearby. Everyone felt a little lighter at the prospect of sitting down for lunch after the unexpected hurdles—but nature wasn’t going to let them off that easy just yet.

Just past the sign, they rounded a bend and stopped dead in their tracks. The trail ahead had practically dissolved thanks to the past week’s rain. A wide section of the trail, about 10 feet across, was now a shallow pool of muddy water. The path sloped on either side and left few options to stay dry. If they wanted to continue, they’d either have to walk through knee-deep sludge or… well, figure something creative out.

Natalie wasted no time pointing the situation out to Sara with another playful smirk. "Well, well, look who’s really going to be challenged now. This might be where the pristine Tretorns finally meet their match." Her tone was light, but underneath, she was genuinely curious how Sara would handle this one. After all, dodging some mud was one thing—this was a straight-up swamp.

Joan chuckled, looking skeptically at the waterlogged trail. "Guess we’ll see how fast you can run across water, Sara. Or you could try levitating… that worked at the stream, right?"

Ryan chimed in, shaking his head with a teasing grin. "This might be a ‘shoes-off-and-wade-through-it’ kind of situation, Sara. Even you can’t log-roll over this one. Maybe we can give these white shoes a proper, rugged story to tell."

Sara, however, was not one to admit defeat—especially not after making it this far without a single stain on her outfit. She surveyed the area, her brain working quickly, determined to find an alternative. And then her eyes landed on it.

A large tree had fallen along the side of the trail, its thick, sturdy trunk stretching the entire length of the washed-out section. The trunk was wide enough to walk on—assuming you had balance and enough confidence to make it work.

She turned to the group, pointing at the tree with a triumphant smile. "No need to get wet," she said with a playful eye-roll, as if the solution had always been obvious. "I’ll just walk across the log. Easy. I’ve been balancing on these trails all day; this will be no different."

Natalie laughed, disbelief etching itself across her face. "Wait—you’re actually going to tightrope across that thing?"

Joan shook her head, her grin widening with eager anticipation. "This, I have to see."

Ryan looked at Sara, half-impressed and half-worried for her. "Are you completely sure about this? I mean, that log doesn’t look like it’s the steadiest thing in the world, and water plus a slippery tree... Well, let’s just say it might be time to accept defeat."

But Sara was already moving toward the log while her friends exchanged glances behind her. She refused to let a little water or a wobbly log ruin her perfect record. "Defeat? Please. If I can make it through everything so far, I can definitely handle a little log walk. Hold my bag," she said, handing Ryan her tote with a quick smile.

****

With her arms slightly outstretched, Sara stepped onto the thick log, her new white Tretorns carefully pressing into the rough bark. She could feel the slightest give in the wood, like it wasn’t exactly as stable as it looked, but that didn’t stop her. Noticing this, she paused for a second—her hands spread for balance—before continuing forward with all the grace of a ballerina.

Each step was dainty and precise, her foot gracefully extending out like it was part of a dance routine, perfectly timed. She placed her sneakers gently on the narrow log, as though gravity was just a suggestion. The others watched in awe as Sara somehow made this comically impractical feat look almost effortless.

"I swear," Natalie whispered to Joan, "she’s actually doing it. One minor slip and she’s going for a swim in that mud bath, though."

Joan chuckled in agreement. "I think there might be a secret wire up there or something. She’s going way too smoothly. This is, like, an Olympic-level endeavor now."

But just as they were chuckling over it, there was a small, sudden give in the log. Right as Sara hit the halfway point, it shifted slightly under her weight, causing her to stop dead in her tracks. She could feel the sudden springiness beneath her feet, the log gently bouncing up and down with her slight movements. Her heartbeat quickened but, outwardly, she maintained her composure. She adjusted her weight, planting her feet carefully, trying to still the log as she swayed slightly. For a moment, even the slightest wrong motion could send her into the watery mess below.

"Uh-oh," Ryan muttered, stepping forward as if on instinct. "Sara, you okay?" His voice was laced with genuine concern, though he marveled at how she still hadn’t lost a shred of her poise.

Natalie bit her lip, holding back a laugh. "I’m tempted to clap if she actually pulls this off."

Joan simply crossed her arms, enjoying the spectacle. "It’s like watching a tightrope walker in a really chic outfit. I’m so glad I brought my camera. Too bad this was before TikTok, huh?"

But that brief moment of tension seemed to pass without incident. Sara steadily regained her balance, a look of determined focus etched into her face, and, after a long pause, she started moving again—each step more cautious but still composed.

The others looked at each other, as if collectively thinking the same thing: how is she still dry?

In the meantime, Natalie and Joan knew they wouldn’t have the same theatrical flair as Sara. When it came their turn to cross, they opted for a more practical—if messier—approach. They sidestepped the log entirely and took the low road, sloshing through the muddier, edge-of-the-washed-out sections. Both of them came out with mud splattered on their shoes and legs, Natalie’s leather Keds now bearing some battle scars, and Joan’s Nikes practically caked in wet dirt.

Ryan, seeing the mess the girls had gotten into, decided to make a wide arc around, managing to keep somewhat dry but still getting a good chunk of his hiking boots dirty.

Meanwhile, Sara had reached the final stretch of the log. With a delicate leap—more for flair than necessity—she propelled herself off the log and onto solid, dry ground on the opposite side. She landed gracefully, only slightly crouching as her white Tretorns touched down, utterly unscathed.

Straightening up, she flipped her hair back and turned to face the group, a broad, confidently self-satisfied smile spreading across her face.

"And that," she announced proudly, pointing at the muddy water behind her, "is how you stay perfectly dry."

Natalie groaned dramatically, wiping the mud from her legs. "I cannot believe you just pulled that off. How are you even real?" She laughed incredulously, shaking her head.

Joan gave a sarcastic clap and smirked. "Okay, Sara. You win today’s episode of ‘Nature Fashion Survivor.’ But I’m still betting you’ll slip up eventually. We still have to eat, you know."

Ryan smiled, not even trying to reign in his admiration. "Alright, babe, you win... for now. But there’s still a lot of day left—and food stains are still a very viable enemy."

Sara just grinned at him, giving him a playful nudge with her elbow. "I’m untouchable today. Watch me." She winked before continuing toward the picnic area, leading the way with her spotless, shining white sneakers gleaming like symbols of her victory against nature's trials. For now, she was on top of the world—clean shoes and all.