Left Luggage

It had been yesterday she'd found them.

Her dog, Rex and her alone in the bluster. The grey, white capped, water chewing the pebbled shore.

She'd thrown a stick for Rex and as he returned triumphant and eager, she saw them.

A brief case and a pair of shoes.

Leather.

Brown.

Worn.

Sitting there amongst the pebbles. High enough that even the luna tide could not reach them.

As she approached she could examine in more detail.

Both clearly quality items in their day.

Both now showing the scuffs and marks of a well worn life.

The shoes not polished. Their heels worn and in need of a cobbler. The bag dented and scratched. A small leather tag at its handle.

She looked left then right along the beach seeking an owner.

Had someone gone for a swim? At this hour? Where were their clothes? Their towel?

She looked back at the two abandoned items like so much left luggage.

And then she understood

...and didn't.