Aldrich Pembrose's Arc

Chapter 3 of 3

Aldrich spread the restoration books across a wooden table in the library's main hall. He read about temperature control, humidity levels, and proper lighting for preserved art. His finger traced diagrams showing how to stabilize cracked paint and reinforce damaged canvases. This knowledge would protect the Chagall and anything else he recovered. The museum needed more than just found objects—it needed proper care, a real system to keep art safe. He copied notes into his notebook, his handwriting cramped and urgent. When footsteps echoed behind him, he looked up to see a figure passing between the shelves. Not alone here, then. Others still searched these ruins for answers too. The thought steadied him. He closed the book and stood, tucking his notes away. The museum would need partnerships, people who understood what he was trying to build. He'd return here, learn more, maybe even convince others to help. For now, he had enough to begin the real work. Outside the library, Aldrich walked until he reached an open area where a fountain stood. The copper had turned green and brown with age, but the carved panels still showed clear scenes—people gathered in front of buildings, looking at art, listening to speakers. He moved closer and ran his fingers over the relief. These panels celebrated someone who had built something important, someone who had made culture matter to a whole community. His throat tightened. This was what he wanted for his museum—a place so vital that people would remember it, honor it, pass by it every day and think about what it meant. He pulled out his notebook and sketched the fountain's design. When the museum reopened, when people came back to see art again, maybe someone would build something like this for the place he was creating. The thought made his chest ache, but in a good way. He tucked the notebook away and headed back toward Gallery Seven. The work was waiting.