Two Fic Tuesday for April 28tj

Hi, hello and welcome!

This week I bring you a couple of stories that maybe shouldn't have worked for me, but really did. These both deal with themes that can make me squirm, but I truly enjoyed the way they were done in both of these.

So, please enjoy a little glimpse into what squicks me by way of some lovely words.

Recs

The Salt and the Cure - Rukman Ragas - Lightspeed
Okay, I absolutely adore the way this story resolves itself. As I said, my relationship with religious themes is weird, but this was well worth the read for me. I loved how it unfolds too, and all the pieces we can glean about the wider way this whole religion and world work. Such a great story.

Twelve Facts About the Dermestid Beetle - Nightmare Magazine - Marisca Pichette - Nightmare
My relationship with bugs is also weird. I like most of them in theory, but in practice I don't often react well. However, that's why I enjoyed this story so much. I loved the relationship with the beetles in this, the care and love and adoration displayed. It felt so much like an embrace from both sides and that was something I found myself really leaning into. I know some people won't be into this one, but if you're okay with bugs, I highly suggest giving this a shot, as I think it's quite beautiful.

I wish all of you many good stories,

• Vale

PS: If you want to find me elsewhere, I'm on Bluesky at @howsweetthewords and I have a Ko-fi and Patreon where I post prompts, more personal/writing updates, microfiction, and miscellany. Tiers start at $1, but there is the occasional free post as well.