In Stone

2: "Can you keep a secret?"

2: “Can you keep a secret?”

Stone was the most beautiful of all materials to sculpt in Caia's opinion. The first sculptures ever made had been made of stone or clay – which was close enough. For as long as humans had been able they had been attempting to bring life to the inanimate through art.

Caia was just continuing that long and beautiful tradition with her own hands.

The Chiselers was a group of artists that met every Thursday at the town rec center. Originally, it had been intended only for fellow sculptors, but it had grown and expanded and now every artist from tiny doodlers to monolithic constructors was welcome. Caia had joined in happily and found herself folded into the fabric of the community in no time at all. There was just a kinship about everyone that was made in their shared love of the arts.

They enjoyed discussing art, showing off personal pieces, and comparing notes of favorites. There was always wine, because there couldn't be an art viewing without wine. It was cheap and they took turns buying it for the group, but it still counted as wine. Today it was Hope's turn and, as a mother of three, she really couldn't afford much. However, the box wine was accepted and loved by all as though it were top shelf.

McKenzie and Caia both helped themselves to a glass and started blending in with the various people around them. Discussions about art and techniques would devolve into discussions about family, financial troubles, and work before the night was out, but for now the group was at its most pure and they happily threw themselves into the conversations.

Caia was asked about her soon-to-be completed project and she promised to bring it in at the next meeting to show off. The hummingbird she had spent the last few months painstakingly crafting out of gypsum was her latest child. It was a beautiful, photo realistic bird that had taken so long simply to plan. Everyone knew of her project and was eager to see the finished product.

She herself asked about projects, lamented over failed attempts, and encouraged the discouraged as she worked around the room. Eventually, McKenzie went off on her own to huddle with the other 'dark' artists because she thought Caia's personality to be far too happy. That didn't bother Caia at all as she was used to being on her own.

She just continued talking to her many other friends in the group. She told people about her new statue, about his beauty and the offensive base. The former was met with requests to see it, the latter was met with anger and tips on removal. Even though none of them were famous, every artist shared a love and dedication to their work. Thinking about how they would feel to have someone deface their own art was enough to rally them against whoever had done so to the statue.

“I think it might be stolen,” Caia was telling Kayden when the door to their room opened and Donald walked in carrying a box in his hands.

Kayden nodded thoughtfully. “That's true. If it's as good a piece as you say, then the thief clearly had no idea of its value.”

Caia agreed and waved at Donald who beamed when he saw her. “I'm going to try to take the base off when I get home. I'm a little worried about what solvent to use though. I don't recognize the stone he's made of and I don't want to damage it.”

Kayden looked thoughtful for a moment as Donald joined them and set the box at their feet. “I think there's some solvent in my trunk. It's very gentle, but not effective on everything. You're welcome to it if you want it.”

“Thank you,” Caia beamed at him then looked at Donald and his box. “Is that what I think it is?”

He winked at her. “You know it, beautiful.”

Kayden and Caia watched as he bent over the box and took off the lid. Caia beamed at the head of the bust. A smile that only got brighter when he lovingly lifted the clay sculpture from inside and set it on the table that held the box wine.