PICTURE PERFECT by PURUPUSS RATED FRC

Virgil finds time is running out.

Virgil shielded his eyes from the glare of the setting sun. Night was falling fast. Far too fast for his liking. He knew the blanket of night would make his task impossible.

He was frustratingly close to his objective, at a crucial stage; one false move and all his hard work would come to nothing.

"Concentrate, Virgil!" he told himself. "Don't rush it."

He was only one step away from success or failure. One move could make or break this operation.

He made his decision and stretched out...

"Hey Virg." Scott's voice halted the action. "What's the hold up?"

Virgil gritted his teeth and forced himself to be calm. Now was not the time for negative emotion. When he spoke, there was no hint of the flush of anger that had coursed through his system. "Nearly there, Scott."

"Great! Then we can head home. Hey, you're doing a great job there!"

"Thanks." Virgil moved forward decisively and then stepped back, satisfied.

"Wow!" Scott's voice showed his admiration for his brother's work. "You never fail to amaze me."

Virgil shrugged modestly. "It's nothing."

"Nothing? None of us could do what you've just done. Father's going to be so proud of you."

"Time to pack up," Virgil announced. "Here, you can carry this." He thrust most of his equipment into Scott's arms. Then, taking care not to smudge the still wet paint of the portrait of Scott, they walked back up the hill to their home.