Robert’s Mirror,
Chapter 33, by J.M. Stevenson, www.jeannesbottle.com
Many passersby did not realize there was something different about the sand sculpture that after some bizarre miracle had transformed into concrete. The enormous demon holding the bottle frightened many children and most parents avoided the south parking lot of Three Corners for that reason.
There was plenty of interest in the object that was positioned in the neck of the bottle. A pair of dark sunglasses dangled with the frame discolored from the harsh conditions of the lake and the left lens for some reason was missing completely.
Melissa Bland shifted her attention as she shuffled in the direction of the bath house.
Droves of people stood gaping at the life sized statues that were initially constructed of sand, but had somehow baked into a crystal like material. Word spread and many questioned the source of such wonderful artistic expression.
Missy pushed her way through a wall of people to see the first of the series.
The subject, a man, hunkered down peering around a rose bush. His line of gaze faced the lake, but Missy seemed to figure out the statue was not intended to be viewing. There was an expression of love on his face, not the love of a sunset but the love of a man for a woman.
The second sculpture was that of a woman whom Missy thought was familiar in appearance. An old fashioned dress covered the crystal woman as she reclined on the beach near a pair of frozen sea gulls. The gulls were set in an eternal squabble over a fish and the woman emitted a type of refinement.
The third of the series of which in Missy's opinion was interesting since the artist chose to use the actual back of a car. A man was hooked to the bumper, his face was clouded with the uncertainty of future, but upon further consideration, his eyes were soft, a reflection of the purest love.
Melissa nearly gave up in her attempts to see what was so amazing about the final sculpture. As she shoved her way to the front of the crowd, she was overcome with the most intense feeling she had ever experienced.
There was a man that resembled her former team leader, Robert Wright and a woman who she knew immediately as Jeanne Wishgiven. They were positioned so the varying color of sunset each night would highlight the crystal material. The most awesome thing about the sculpture was the eternal connection that they shared in the form of a delicate kiss.
Anyone who gazed at the statues was struck with a feeling of profound awe, so much so that they had no choice but to break into tears. There was never such a creation in the past to reflect the heartfelt unity of two lovers finding one another along Three Corners...of two lost souls forever married as one.
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A faint light became visible about midway up on the largest dune of Three Corners. Becoming curious about the firelight, Melissa was not ready to return to the great realm. She had to follow the light; she had to discover the mystery surrounding the creation of those fine pieces of art.
Missy was very quiet as she made her way up the sand mountain. She needed to be careful or else what she suspected would escape just outside of her grasp.
A twig snapped as she reached the clearing, it was just enough noise to cause the beings illuminated by the campfire to dissolve into nothingness.
"I saw you!" Melissa announced as the figures sheepishly rematerialized.
Robert was reclined in the sand; his back supported by a large chunk of driftwood, Elizabeth Fenmore was nestled in next to him with Robert's arm around her in a tender way. They appeared content, as if they had finally reached their ideal eternity.
"I have something for you." Missy announced as she stepped closer to the couple.
Extending her hand she presented a matching pair of tiny vials. The encasements were ornate, surrounded by jewels and tiny chunks of silver.
"What's this?" Jeanne asked.
"This is the latest weapon in the fight against demons."
"Water?" Robert questioned with surprise.
"That's right. When I found Dwane, we compared notes on how demons could not tolerate water...not just any water mind you, it must be blessed. These vials contain holy water."
"I don't understand why Lucas wouldn't go into
Robert asked.
"Probably due to the fact that the shoreline used to be an ideal place for baptism, in fact I was baptized here." Jeanne responded.
"Ah." Robert sighed placing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"I won't disturb you any further." Missy said feeling out of place.
"Thank you for coming here." Jeanne announced.
Missy turned and gazed at the spirits who chose to live their heaven in the human land of Three Corners.
"So is there anything I can say to convince you to return with me?"
"No. We've officially retired." Robert whispered.
"At least for now anyway." Jeanne added with a wink.
All three shared a chuckle as a falling star catapulted
across the