?as the world caves in?

?we visit an interesting statue garden?

"I take vitamins. For my ears."

"That's admirable, but please, relax."

"So, you sell gnomes." Percy said.

"Oh, yes. And animals. And people. Anything for the garden. Custom orders. Statuary is very popular, you know."

"A lot of business on this road?"

"Not so much, no. Since the highway was built... most cars, they do not go this way now. I must cherish every customer I get."

Percy suddenly turned around. I was sitting next to him, so naturally, I turned around as well.

Behind us, was the statue of a young girl holding an Easter basket. Everything was perfect, it was so realist. But her face looked like she was terrified.

"Ah," Aunty Em said sadly. "You notice some of my creations do not turn out well. They are marred. They do not sell. The face is the hardest to get right. Always the face."

I turned back around. "You make these statues yourself?"

"Oh, yes. Once upon a time, I had two sister to help me in the business, but they have passed on, and Aunty Em is alone. I have only my statues. This is why I make them, you see. They are my company."

I felt bad, how couldn't I?

But she mentioned two sisters. "Two sisters?"

"It's a terrible story, not one for children really. You see, Coriane, a bad woman was jealous of me, long ago, when I was young. I had a... a boyfriend, you know, and this bad woman was determined to break us apart. She caused a terrible accident. My sisters stayed by me. They shared my bad fortune as long as they could, but eventually they passed on. They faded away. I alone have survived. But at a price. Such a price."

"Percy?" I said, shaking him.

"Maybe we should. I mean, the ringmaster will be waiting." Annabeth urged.

"Such beautiful gray eyes," Aunty Em told Annabeth again. "My, yes, it has been a long time since I've seen gray eyes like those."

She reached out to touch Annabeth, but she stood up. "We really should go."

"Yes!" Grover stood up, finishing his wax paper. "The ringmaster is waiting! Right!"

"Please dears, I do rarely get to be with children. Before you go, won't you at least sit for a pose?" Aunty Em pleaded.

"A pose?" I asked warily.

"A photograph. I will use it to model a new statue set. Children are so popular, you see. Everyone loves children."

I moved uncomfortably. "I don't think we can, ma'am. Come on, Percy—"

"Sure we can," Percy said, and he sounded irritated. "It's just a photo, Coriane. What's the harm?"

"Yes, Coriane, no harm."

I glared at Percy, but followed Aunty Em to the statue garden.

We sat on a bench next to the satyr, who Grover still looked at strangely.

"Now, I'll just position you correctly. Annabeth, next to Grover, Coriane next to Percy, with the two girls in the middle." Aunty Em said and we followed what she said.

"Not much light for a photo." Percy mentioned.

"Oh, enough," Aunty Em said. "Enough for us to see each other, yes?"

"Where's your camera?" Grover asked.

Aunty Em ignored us, and stepped back, admiring us. "Now, the face is the most difficult. Can you smile for me please, everyone? A large smile?"