Two FIc Tuesday for March 24th

Hi, hello and welcome!

This week I have a couple of shorter things for you. Well, that and both of these have a sense of longing and loss. Yes, they explore this in very different ways, but I think they pair really well together. The length in both works so well for me too, as I love shorter work, but I also think, in the way they explore the themes, the length is a great choice.

Recs

Care Guide for Your Better-Days-Past Vine - Eleri Denham - Crow And Cross Keys
Oh, I was really into this. The way it's told is fantastic, and the almost creeping realization of how this plant feeds is fantastic. I love me some really strange plants in any genre, but especially in a more horror context. I just really, really enjoyed this little piece.

Transubstantiation - Sam W. Pisciotta - Flash Fiction Online
What a soft, sad, but sweet story this is. I love the lyricism, and how it feels both rich, and light all at the same time. I don't know if you'd call this a happy ending per se, but I really did smile when I reached the end.

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.