Rock slurries shrouded by mist. Paths cross through Lost known only to its denizens and even they sometimes lose their way. Marmots call out over the rock to locate each other in space. They eat mosses, lichens, roots, and flowers. Spring daisies and wild pansies blossom. In winter, tiny white flowers bloom. In fall, yellow, orange, and red petals protrude from the rocks. The marmots whistle and call. Travelers do not understand their language. Even those who stay among them and listen do not learn their ways. It’s uncomfortable on the rock slurry and there is little to eat — although the marmots are fat enough (they must find hidden fats in the rocks?). Most travelers are on their way to other lands. Some come to Lost from the Rejection Wilderness or Isolated Peak. Even the marmots brown and grey with tiny ears, ears, and tails are difficult to spot among the rock.
Why it springs to mind: You'll never look at an ice cube the same way again. Where read: In the 2014 Hugo award-winning Lightspeed Magazine , August. Length: 5,194 words Summary: A woman has an ice cube for a soul. Memorable: How the story invites us to think about the shape of our soul, how it (or our perception of it) influences us and how it changes. What ordinary every day object would your soul be? A silver spoon, a beech stick? A great party conversation starter, this. Quote: “All life is an experiment." Notable: The protagonist Rina is an avid reader (always a good choice). Pairs well with: T.S. Elliot, Edna St. Vincent Millay Origin: The story was written in 24 hours based on a writing prompt. (See Author Spotlight: Ken Liu ) About the author: Ken Liu’s debut novel, The Grace of Kings , the first in a fantasy series The Dandelion Dynasty, is due out from Saga Press ( a new Simon & Schuster imprint ) in 2015.
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