Today, for your reading pleasure: A pair of short stories inspired by pieces discovered via deviartART. Enjoy!
<<<>>>
Well? said the art. How’s it coming?
“Getting there. Just a little more detail.”
And I’ll be beautiful, right?
“You’re beautiful now. You’re just not finished.”
I don’t see why not, the art sighed. You’ve been working on me forever.
“Well, you have forever. You’re a timeless creation, and sure to outlive me. That’s part of the point of you.”
Only part? What’s the rest?
“Oh, mostly just the joy of watching you come alive.”
You dearly love me, don’t you?
“Yes, I dearly do.”
Tell me why.
“Because you don’t know, or because you like to be told? Don’t tell me I’ve passed on my fragile ego.”
Like artist, like art! Now tell me.
“Because you’re you. And because you’re me. Because you keep me breathing.”
Like your lungs?
“More like my heart.”
And when you’re done with me?
“Oh, my little masterwork. That will never happen.”
<<<>>>
You never gave up.
Never stopped searching.
Never stopped chasing your muse.
You fought on without me. Strained through the dark for glimmers of genius long after you’d forgotten how to hope.
I’m sorry. I should have slowed to let you catch me. Should have stayed to help you find your way.
I was wrong to let you suffer so, but don’t you see? I couldn’t bear to end it.
It filled me, somehow, watching you empty. It thrilled me to feel your dreams fall and fade with every failure.
I was a dreadful muse, but you…
You inspired me.
<<<>>>
(Enjoyed what I wrote? There’s loads more where that came from! Browse the DEShipley catalogue, why dontcha. Or if you wish, leave a tip on my GoFundMe page; I’m covered for Outlaws of Avalon 2, praise God, but there’s always Book 3 and beyond… ;D )
Ever On Word 
Woah.
Such is art.