A very short - but solid - scifi story by GF Willmetts.

'Now, this is a most interesting exhibit. You will notice how the artist has nearly painted a picture of Medusa, one of the Gorgons from Greek mythology. As everyone should know, that looking into the face of Medusa will turn you into stone. Please do not look too closely at the painting. Please observe the notice of the dangers. As you can observe, the artist did and which is why his body calcified, which is not a statue, is exhibited and why the first people who discovered him stand behind him, are also petrified.



Likewise behind him a number of neckers who couldn't resist looking at the painting. Of course, they aren't rubber-necking now. Quite solid in fact.
If you are going to look, please use your bodies to obscure the painting. Sunglasses will not protect you. Although you signed the disclaimer before coming in, I would like to preserve, wrong word, like to keep future visitors alive and not become part of the exhibit.

Hmmm...maybe we should re-name the exhibit, 'Medusa With Artist And Bystanders: Immortal In Stone'? Looks like we've lost another bunch of them. And keep the cameras away. We'll all turn to stone if it appears on television.'

(c) GF Willmetts 2009
all rights reserved