Ornamental Girls

In the early years Serena was always seen smiling amongst her admirers; the townsfolk would round a bend heaving provisions home from the stores, and there she'd be. Surrounded by a group of cheerful yet urgent suitors, she'd wear a half-smile at their attempts to please her. In the bars they leaned forward and confided jokes to her or mimicked others to make her laugh. Quite early on Serena decided to be almost mute amongst them. She made it her small private aim to start an evening with her customary nod and then to remain wordless yet attended until she closed her parents' door on the worshipful band of suitors. Her ploy at first tripped the men, disappointed them, but very soon she settled into an era in which the men adapted to the new rules set for them, photographed her, drew her in charcoal, and created paintings. In the bars the watchful group could often be seen about her, still noisy amongst themselves and joshing for her benefit largely. In private she would sometimes sit nude for some of them, if they asked.

One day they noticed how her flesh was becoming harder, yet more beautiful and reflecting more light. It began with her forehead which shone smooth like porcelain. Soon her shoulders shone and stiffened; she could no longer move her arms of course. The transformation moved along them until her small swaying fingers finally stilled. In wonder the men gazed at this by now quite still ornament. Carefully four of them lifted it, one at each corner, turned it on its feet and placed it in the centre of the village square.