He glanced between us with shiny eyes before he cleared his throat.
“I knew this rear basket would come in handy,” he said briskly. “I added it yesterday. The front basket on this thing is just small enough to piss you off.”
We dutifully admired the wire basket he jerry-rigged to the back of his mobility scooter. Dani carefully arranged our watercolors around his insulated bag.
“Thanks, Dad,” Dani said with another hug.
“Happy to do it, baby girl. I hope you’re having a fun time.”
“So much fun. This is the best Arts Fest ever.”
I agreed. I had no comparison, but I couldn’t imagine a better time. I got to hang out with my best friend all day and see her blossom and find her love of art again. What’s better than that?
“We’re off to see Vanessa’s exhibit now and then Rosa.”
“Your mom wants you over for dinner Sunday night. Both of you,” he said.
Dani waved in agreement, and we headed for the photography exhibit. We passed a silversmith and her helper hawking their wares. Dani slowed to look, her eye drawn to a black rose ring. When she asked to look at it more closely, the salesperson helped her. The jeweler caught my attention as Dani admired it.
“Lovely choice. A beautiful ring for your beautiful lady. This ring is supposed to represent true love that stands the tests of time.”
Dani blushed and stammered. “We’re just friends.”
Oof.
The silver worker was abashed. “Oh, my mistake.” She cleared her throat. “It also represents survival.”
Dani’s discomfort led her to hand the ring back, and we walked on.
Finally, we reached the exhibit, and the ring was forgotten. Dani explained the setup.
Some photographs were enlarged and set in matching metal frames lining the outdoor path, while others were on display in the Rose Art Gallery. We wandered through the outdoor display first before joining the line for the showcase.
I assumed the outdoor show was the premier placement since more people would see that exhibit. The photos were huge with prominent information about their artists and their websites.
Then we walked through the door. I knew nothing more about photography than how to click the button on my phone, but these were special. Each artist had their own exhibit space and arranged their composition how they wanted.
“Wow.”
It was an inadequate reaction, but it was all I had.
“Isn’t it amazing?” Dani asked with her brilliant smile.
She tucked her arm in mine and led me through the gallery. Without reading the placards, she told me the stories and skill behind each exhibit. I swallowed a thick ball of emotion as she led me to another group of photographs.
As a native of Sierra Rose Ridge, I immediately recognized our famous legend though there were no people anywhere in the images.
“Holy shit. How did they do that?” I asked in wonder.
“What?” Dani asked.
“This is Sam and Rose’s story, isn’t it?”
Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and she nodded.
“I don’t understand,” I muttered. “It’s landscapes, but it’s bigger than that. The whole story is laid out in these photos. I don’t understand it, but I see it anyway.”
“That’s exactly what I was going for.”
