Stanley’s Muddy Boots

Stanley and Ruth come back from a wet walk. Thick brown mud sticks to Stanley’s boots.

A clean mat lies inside the door. “My boots will make it dirty,” says Stanley.

He rubs one boot on the step. A small lump falls off, but mud stays in the deep lines.

Ruth finds a wide black tray by the bench. It has room for both muddy boots.

Stanley sits down and lifts one foot. He loosens the tight lace. Then he takes off the boot.

He puts both boots in the tray. The soft mud stays away from the clean floor.

Ruth gives him his dry indoor shoes. He puts them on with his warm spare socks.

Now Stanley can go inside with Ruth. His boots wait in the tray until it is time to clean them.