Heart-fluttering Grandma (#WeeklyShortShortNote)

It was a mild November day. When I went to visit Grandma at her apartment complex, I saw a pair of red pointe shoes hanging out to dry among the laundry on the balcony.
“Could those shoes be…”
“I’ve started senior ballet!”

My grandfather passed away before I was born, and my grandmother lives alone in an apartment complex in Tokyo. She worked as an office clerk at a construction firm for a long time, but she retired last month.

“I wanted to do what I love while I’m still as young as I can be.”

Grandma’s room, where she spoke so excitedly, had very little furniture and was quite modest. She said she had been saving money from her meager salary for her retirement.

“I never had the luxury of taking lessons before. My dream has finally come true.”

“Grandma, you seem so full of excitement.”

“That’s right. ‘Excitement’ is important in life, you know.”

Grandma gazed at the red pointe shoes swaying gently in the breeze amidst the soft light, looking as if they were dazzling.

“I want to be like you, Grandma.”

“Are you going to do ballet?”

“No. First, I need to save money, and I guess investing is necessary too now... Hey, can I touch those pointe shoes?”

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I am participating in #WeeklyShortShortNote.
The theme is #HeartFlutteringPointeShoes
Nika Tahara, thank you for your consideration.