The rubber had opened near the toe.

The shoes had cost thirty-nine dollars, and she had already worn through the first layer of the soles, because she was seven and about to be eight and she ran everywhere she went, as though walking were a thing that happened to other people.

Hold still, I said.

I am holding still, she said.

You are moving your foot.

That is because the tape is cold.

I laughed and pressed the tape down along the loose edge, and it held, and we both pretended it would keep holding, which is a thing you learn to do when thirty-nine dollars is a number you have to plan around.