Idea in Stone (45 page)

Robert and Delonia stirred, waking where they huddled, hand in hand. Delonia looked at her husband, touched his face, and kissed him. Stefan and Peter stood up and took their hands. Together, they all walked into the street below, which was illuminated by the light of a yellowy-pink dawn.

Other figures walked along the street, and the family joined them, heading somewhere. As they walked, Stefan recognised details of the city he’d lost, every good idea rescued here, held together with vines that grew everywhere.

They walked down then up, following the crowd, until they reached a giant, domed hall. Before they entered, Stefan looked back. Something occurred to him, something he felt the truth of.

We’ve gone to the place where ideas come from.

The place was full of colour and light. Every detail was as sharp as if it had just been created. When he’d learned enough, perhaps he’d go back. For now, though, he was happy here.

Music flowed from the domed hall, and his parents were clearly eager to join in.

Stefan took Peter’s hand. They smiled at each other and walked through the door.
 

Colophon

Many thanks to the group who read the story in serial form, whose feedback and corrections were an immense help:

Kristie Cameron

Mark Cosgrove

Sheila Collins

Louis Dimitracopoulos

Robert Goderre

Martin Hunt

Doug Morrison

Isaac & Gretel Meyer-Odell

Lisa Olafson

Sean Parker

Jeff Plotnikoff

Geoff Pradella

Anne Putnam

Patrick Robertshaw

Ross Slater

Most of all, love and thanks to my family—Bryson, Joan, Ian, Ellen, and Andrew.

Hamish MacDonald is the author of
doubleZero
,
The Willies
,
Idea in Stone
, and
Finitude.

For more stories or to learn more about micropress publishing, visit
hamishmacdonald.com