The first medal had no face.
It lay on Max's desk beside a stack of costs, a round piece of bronze with a plain rim and enough space for an inscription. Anna picked it up while he compared the expense of temporary viewing screens with making a permanent installation.
"This is sensible." She said.
Max looked up. "It isn't finished."
She turned it over. The reverse carried the words DUNGEON GAMES above a small open gate. He had left a place below for the event year and the number of the station that awarded it.
"What are you adding?"
"Something recognizable."
The bronze warmed in her fingers. A profile rose from the blank surface, then turned until a cheerful version of Max looked out at her. Beside the face, a hand gave a thumbs-up.
Anna laid it down.
"Your face."
"Everyone knows it."
"And the hand?"
"Encouraging."
She looked from the medal to him. He held up his own thumb so she could compare them.
"You have made your hair better."
