A Revealing Conversation

Originally posted July 6/2007 on "Allison Wonderland"



o it turns out that Clompie Stomperson in not, in fact, oblivious to the fact that her high-heel wearing ways are disruptive to those who live under her.

After an evening during which I swear she was doing jumping-jacks around the main floor of her house, I was wondering whether she even remembered that there were people down here- specifically, people who, on occasion, like to sleep. The next day Simon and I met Clompie outside- she commented again on how big Simon's getting, and what a good boy he is.

"You know, it's amazing," she said to me, "I never hear him cry. Well, except for when I wake him up wearing my shoes in the house... I have this one pair, and it's just crazy- they're so loud, I feel bad walking around in my own house!"

Whaaa-? You actually think about this while wearing said shoes? I'm guessing she only brought it up so that I wouldn't (which I wasn't going to do, anyway- why beat a dead pony-skin stiletto?); maybe she only thought of it when she saw us. Oh, yeah... those guys... in basement... noise, riiiight...

In any case, I didn't say anything. I didn't laugh politely and say, "Well, maybe you wouldn't feel so bad if you took your shoes off at the door like most people do in this country! Ha ha!" I also didn't add, "Boy, it sure gives us a laugh when your clomping wakes up a cranky toddler!" We just went to play in the yard.

To be fair, I haven't heard her tonight. Good on you, Clompie. Good on you.