Image © Barbara Candiotti
Letter from the Editors Dear Reader, The archetype of the "lone hero" permeates fiction. Yet it is in the context of relationships when people--fictional or otherwise--truly come into focus. As we selected our finalists for this issue, the common theme that emerged was the variety of ways that relationships make us who we are. In this issue, you'll experience the love and tension between a father and daughter as they grow apart, a workplace friendship where very different persons seek common ground, a healer-warrior weighed down by the burdens of those she's trying to save, a poignant choice for one lover in a dangerous time, and even a far-future reality where a lonely spacefarer's fortunes rest on their time-tested bond with "man's best friend." Explore the complex dynamics of relationships in these superb tales: "Beyond the Storms of Hurt" by Austin Jacques -- Caregiver fatigue takes on a new meaning when the spirits that need saving won't leave you alone. "Draconic Alchemy" by Rachel Ayers -- A woman with a troubled past learns that some dragons have treasure more precious than gold. "Gilmore" by Caitlin A. Quinn -- The animals of a devastated Earth have a bone to pick with humanity, but some are more forgiving than others. "Hatch, Beast, Fly Away" by Anna O'Brien -- An aging parent and his brilliant daughter have two very different ideas about how to save a polluted world. "Maybe You'll Sleep In" by MM Schreier -- If you knew the world was ending, how far would you go to shelter the one you loved? Finally, we're pleased to feature artist Barbara Candiotti, who provided our cover image, "The Journey." As we read about characters relating to each other, we can more easily imagine ourselves relating to them—and they come to life in our imagination. We hope you will make memorable and enriching connections with the outstanding characters created by this issue's talented authors. Thanks for reading, Lesley, Grayson, Candi, and the Electric Spec Team