We’ve passed the half decade mark here at TTL, and I like to think that issue eleven marks the start of a new phase in our existence. I couldn’t have finished this issue without the help of my co-editor, Priya Sridhar, and our team of amazing first-readers: Chana Kohl, Neil Willcox, Nicholas Jay, Pete Lead, Michelle Whalen Kaiser, Kate Ravenna, and the indefatigable Hannya Kay.
For this, the start of our second half-decade, we have a room full of hearts and a room outside of time; a ghost who won’t leave and a gas station attendant who can’t quit; alchemical beer and magical yarn; the death of a singer and the future of a rock band; deviled eggs for hellhounds and cheap wine for the fae; death for the invaders and life for the extras; planned obsolescence and experimental rebirth.
Aperitifs
A light and fizzy selection to stimulate the appetite
The Weaver of Uswalpur – Abhijeet Sathe (4,807 words)
Scam Likely and the Future Desperados – Allan Dyen-Shapiro (1,043 words)
Behind the Scenes – Anya Ow (3,637 words)
Pitchers
Something to share with the whole family
Tailgating at the Wild Hunt – Aimee Picchi (4,290 words)
The Alchemical Miracle of Shamra’s Endless Beer – Akis Linardos (4,949 words)
Through the Merry-Go-Round – Abhishek Sengupta (3,261 words)
When Pātti Stayed – Tehnuka (1,749 words)
Shots
Sharp and spicy; these shots burn on the way down
Annabelle’s Heart – Anuja Mitra (4,122 words)
The Rime of the Ancient Station Attendant – Jessica Lévai (3,523 words)
The Dinner Party (cw: disordered eating) – Rosamund Lannin (4,344 words)
In the Colonial Mountains (cw: racism) – Lillian Tsay (4,425 words)
Digestifs
Strong and bittersweet, to linger over
Operating Within Normal Parameters – Irette Y. Patterson (2,853 words)
RAW EMIT – Anthony Regolino (3,184 words)
In Pursuit of Resurrection – Kit Calvert (3,100 words)
Translunar Travelers Lounge 