On “All the Pretty Colors” by John A. McColley (4962 words) ***

Here's a science fiction tale that thinks deep on the senses and on medicine. Alicia Talvert is looking for a cure to a disease that is wiping out humans after alien beings visit Earth and bring something unexpected to it. Here, a parasite proves to be a new way of understanding the universe. Read the story here at Crossed Genres.

On "Centzon Totochin" by Cat Rambo (4932 words) ***

If this weren't in a fantasy and science fiction journal, I might have found this story more surprising. It starts off as a tale about partying down in Mexico. It has an almost Hemingway feel. Men drifting nowhere, filling in their life as they can. And then, well, let's just say there are some things best left unsaid. Read the story here at Crossed Genres.