Dust

Sand figures stood side by side, their features flawlessly sculptured. It was like they were once human. There they stood, steadfast on the layers of sand underneath. A sandstorm rages, but they withstood its fury, prevailing in the end.

Then the raging sun beat down mercilessly on them. The figures were scalding hot, but there they were, standing tall. Night came and the sun sneaked away, only to be replaced by its equally cruel, subzero counterpart. Once brave desert critters scatter in search of warmth, but not the statues. They remained defiant to the adversities before them.

A pudgy merchant passed by the statues en route his destination. He saw the figures and walked towards them.

He sneered and lashed out at one of them; the male one. It crumbled under his destructive force. Bit by bit, it was torn apart and when the merchant was done, all that was left of that figure was a pile of sand. Satisfied with his work, the merchant went on his way. a strong gust of wind came and took the dusty remains with it, scattering the pile of sand all over the place.

If the merchant had looked carefully, he might have seen that damp patch of sand under the remaining figure's eyes.