Slashed!

On a recent trip to Binondo (aka Manila's Chinatown), this happened to one of my favorite bags:

I'm finding it hard to give this bag up. I used it nearly everyday for over a year and it never failed me. I loved it inside and out. I loved the two straps that gave me the option to carry it on my shoulder or cross-body. I loved the large hoops that accommodated all my various carabiners. I loved the dark blue textured cloth that always looked plush despite the hard use. I loved the purple inside lining with the one zippered pocket opposite another two unevenly sized unzipped ones. It held all my things and, in a way, kept my secrets. 

To the very end, it was loyal. Despite the gaping slash it suffered on the outside, less that 2 cm of the inner lining was cut and nothing of mine was stolen. Much of cutpurse's brute force must have spent itself on the felt that helped the bag keep its shape. Inspecting the cut, I can imagine the care and craftsmanship the good people at Coach put into the bag—
neatly trimmed edges and evenly stitched hems even in the parts unseen. They put their own brand of love into this bag too.  

So goodbye, dear friend. We've had some good times, you and I.