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Short stories: Unrequited love

with kisses when he felt it grow soft in his. He looked up, awe-struck. The white marble flushed with rosy pink as it was transformed to living flesh. The hair he had sculpted so painstakingly softened and darkened, and tumbled out of its elaborate arrangement over Galatea's shoulders.

He was so overcome that he stayed on his knees, watching the face he loved gain softness and mobility. He searched for words, but could find none worthy of the occasion.

Galatea stared wonderingly around her, down at her devoted swain, and then at her own body. Her eyes widened.

"I have nothing to wear!"

"My love," Pygmalion pleaded, rising from his knees, "my love - you are so wondrously lovely that I could not bear to cover even the tiniest bit." He tried to kiss her tenderly, but she pushed him away.

"Find me something to wear. Now!" she commanded. "And turn your back!"

"Ganymede!" Pygmalion snapped at his apprentice, who had dozed off. Pygmalion kicked the boy with mighty frustration.

"Ganymede, go to my sister's house and ask to borrow one of her dresses. And not a word to anyone!"

Ganymede threw a startled look at the animated statue and scurried away.

"I think you could treat him more kindly than that," Galatea remonstrated, sitting down on a small half-carved block of marble. "

He is my apprentice!" Pygmalion snarled. "It is his job to stay awake until he is needed."

The ensuing conversation was most unsatisfactory. When Ganymede returned with the dress, they were standing as far from each other as possible, their faces like thunderclouds.

"A little fussy - but I suppose it will have to do," Galatea said, slipping the garment over her head. "Now, if you could fetch me a little food and show me where I am to sleep, I will eat and rest for a while. Remember, I have been standing for over a year."

Pygmalion led her to his own bed, but was soundly rebuffed. She elected to sleep in Ganymede's tiny cubicle, while the poor apprentice had to content himself with a pallet in the studio.

While the newly awakened statue snored softly, Pygmalion paced the whole night through, pouring his passion into yet another cycle of poems.

When Galatea awoke in the morning, she listened indifferently to his first four offerings while she munched her breakfast, then grew restless.

"I wish to go to the market."

"No need, love. Ganymede can fetch everything we need, and we can concentrate on each other."

"I don't want to concentrate on you. I want to see the world beyond these walls!"

"My love, you cannot. People


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