In the Garden

Story time:

The amphibian creatures have lived under the soil for eons; born, hatched, and matured in the perfect conditions.
As they age and become too large for their original burrows they unleash a clutch of their own eggs and travel up to the surface.
Once upon time they would stay and die in the earth, but this human family has given them reason to emerge.

As the creatures calcify in the sun, transformed into empty statues, the little girl sets out food and drink for them. A ritual that her family has done for generations.
The amphibian creatures spend their last moments in comfort and happiness.
As they die their eyes crystallize over; reflecting the world and the kindness they knew for only a moment.