Plot:
Aurea the alien is taking Entomology 101. To everyone else, she looks like a beautiful human. The guys all move in, but she rebuffs them. She only has time for Clara, a creative writing major. Aurea’s persona as an alien, while cute, begins to wear thin.
Thoughts:
This is an extremely short piece, with everything working up to a single punchline. In the meantime, the author creates two intriguing characters who engage the reader, even if one shuns all the would-be dates. Clara, the narrator, has noteworthy things to say about herself. Often, narrators are relegated to observer or foil status.
The ending may not be a surprise, but it is an enjoyable, quick read.
Bio:
According to her blurb, author Shannon Fay is a Clarion West graduate and writer living in Nova Scotia. She has written tons of short stories and is currently working on a historical fantasy novel. She can be found online at @shannonlfay or on Patreon at patron.com/shannonfay.
“Eyespots” can be read here.
Title: Eyespots
Author: Shannon Fay
First published: November 23, 2020, Daily Science Fiction
Reviews of Old and New Stories. Mostly Old 