Xiao-Ting (晓婷)

Xiao-Ting's day begins with the tranquility of the city's first awakening. On the edge of the metropolis, her small apartment is filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and the warmth of toasted bread. She sits at the small table by the window, enjoying the breakfast she prepared herself: steaming fried eggs and freshly baked bread, paired with a slice of sweet, fresh tomato. Outside the window, snowflakes slowly blanket the world like light feathers. Her daily life is different; every corner of her home is filled with various shoes, but they all lie there quietly, untouched. For her, being barefoot is an expression of her attitude towards life. Today, wearing a red coat and jeans, she decides to start her daily adventure. She steps out of her home directly barefoot, and the cold air immediately envelops her, with snowflakes melting on the tops of her feet. The neighbors, seeing her, are no longer surprised and simply smile and wave. She returns the smile and walks freely towards the subway station. The atmosphere at the subway station is completely different; the rushing crowds and noisy sounds compose the symphony of the city. The moment her bare feet touch the cold ground, she feels she has become the focus of everyone's gaze. But under such scrutiny, she has learned to be firm and confident. She habitually finds a corner to stand in, waiting for the subway to arrive. When the train doors open, she follows the flow of people into the carriage and finds a seat by the window. Her gaze passes through the window, observing the cityscape flying by. After arriving downtown, her first stop is her favorite coffee shop. The owner at the door, seeing her arrive barefoot, simply smiles and hands her a steaming latte. Holding her coffee, she walks around outside the shop, enjoying this solitary moment of peace. The afternoon hours are always long and leisurely. Leaving the coffee shop, Xiao-Ting strolls slowly on the sidewalk. The snow gradually stops, and the damp, cold ground makes each step exceptionally clear. Her barefoot strides leave a series of unique footprints in this city. At a street corner, an Alaskan Malamute breaks free from its owner's leash and excitedly runs towards her. Xiao-Ting crouches down, stroking it with warm hands and playing with it. Its owner catches up, looking surprised at Xiao-Ting's bare feet but is quickly infected by the ease and joy radiating from her. That evening, her boyfriend meets her at a shopping mall after work. Although he is accustomed to her barefoot habit, amidst the mall's splendid decorations and lively atmosphere, Xiao-Ting's bare feet still stand out prominently. They shop together for a long time, looking at the dazzling array of goods, enjoying their sweet time together. After dinner, the two walk home side by side. The snow on the road has been compacted by footsteps, and Xiao-Ting feels the cold, hard sensation underfoot, but this does not diminish her love for this barefoot lifestyle. Back home, Xiao-Ting's toes are already red from the cold. Her boyfriend gently massages her feet, helping them warm up. She leans back on the sofa, feeling warmth flowing from the soles of her feet to her heart. At this moment, her face is filled with a satisfied and happy smile. As night falls, enveloping their little nest in tranquility, Xiao-Ting's thoughts begin to drift. She recalls every step from the day—at the subway station, the coffee shop, the streets, the mall. Each time the soles of her feet touch the ground, it is a conversation with this city, a way for her to perceive the world. For Xiao-Ting, being barefoot is not just a habit; it is a pursuit of freedom, a love for life, a silent rebellion. She does not seek understanding or approval, only wishing to feel existence in the most pure way in this noisy world. The barefoot lifestyle has taught Xiao-Ting not to rely on external comforts, making her steps more solid and her spirit freer. In this bustling metropolis, she is like a clear stream, flowing quietly, steadfastly adhering to her own philosophy of life. When Xiao-Ting closes her eyes, she knows that tomorrow she will still choose to go out barefoot, whether under clear skies or amidst wind and snow. Because every time her feet touch the solid ground, it makes her feel reality, bringing her closer to that peaceful and free sky in her heart.