A Sign Of Their Waste - Flash Fiction - Entry For Photo Challenge

The artist took no time with the piece. He used some scrap metals from the weapons that were on the ground. He only had enough to make the fountain come up to about 2 feet. That was fine. And the water below would have to come from the sewer. That was perfect.

Dozens of citizens gathered around for the unveiling. They were told the artist started the project at 2:00 pm. It was now almost 3. Everyone shifted as they waited. There was a yawn from the crowd.

"Let's get this over with," someone yelled from the back.

The artist didn't blink. He grabbed the top of the sheet that was covering his project and looked to the group.

"Everyone, this will be the one and only piece on the planet that is a reminder of them."

The sheet was lifted. There was another yawn. Someone clapped. Only twice. Then it got quiet again.

"I don't know why we should have reminders of them," someone else said from the crowd.

"It is the custom of our people to put up a reminder of the species we conquer and this... this is for the humans."

"Why is it spitting water?"

"It is a sign of their waste."

There was a nod from the crowd. Then another yawn. 

"Can we go now?"

"Fine."

Everyone in the crowd went back to their new homes. The artist bent down to put his name on his piece. He looked at the face which was small and distorted. He shivered. He got back up without putting a mark on it. Then brushed past it as he went off with the rest of the crowd.

 

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