Jim Gardiner - Henrys boots

Scottish Writers' Podcast

Runner-Up in Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association Flash Fiction Competition 2006. Read by Bruce MacKenzie.
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Henrys boots
My dad he goes Jake this is History. Arsenals last match at Highbury. Ever. An I want you to remember you wos there. Wont be no classic though. Its Wigan.No classic. Were 2-1 down an then old Henry only goes an scores an atrick.Bang, bang, bang. 4-2. Well the games over an the crowds goin mental. The players are walkin around respectin the fans. Were down the front like always. Then Henry takes his boots off an walks over an I still dont believe this he only hands me his boots. Im so made up I near piss myself. I just kiss em. Didnt even thank im.
Now them boots cause ructions. I can hear em. Ma goes We aint bleedin millionaires. We should get them on E bay an pay for some schoolin cause he aint learnin nothin down that comp. Dad goes Over my dead body. Then he comes in my room and we look at the cool bit in the alcove with its scarfs an the boots at the centre the shrine Dad calls it an he smiles an he goes Its a man thing son.
© Jim Gardiner 2006