those red ruby slippers

In the mid morning, when the sun is just high enough in the sky to peak inside our van windows, magic happens. The grey carpet and leather seats sparkle with thousands of reflections from the ruby red slippers which are the choice shoes for both girls. "I want them to shine mommy" is disappointingly uttered from the back seat every time I take a turn that brings my babies feet out of the light. In the rear view mirror, I can see them both looking down at their shoes, waiting, wondering why it happens so fleetingly, almost with no pattern. "you just have to be patient sweeties, they'll shine again".