"Science Fiction" means—to us—everything found in the science fiction section of a bookstore, or at a science fiction convention, or amongst the winners of the Hugo awards given by the World Science Fiction Society. This includes the genres of science fiction (or sci-fi), fantasy, slipstream, alternative history, and even stories with lighter speculative elements. We hope you enjoy the broad range that SF has to offer.
Shannon Fay is a Clarion West graduate and writer living in Mi'kma'ki/Nova Scotia. Her first novel, Innate Magic, is a historical-fantasy adventure and is out now from 47North. She can be found online at @shannonlfay.
Amalda dodged heavy snowflakes as she flew towards the cafe. The cafe door was slowly closing behind a centaur and she managed to zip through before it shut. More places should have a fairy door, she thought as she shook the snow off her wings.
Just her luck that, on the day she was having her first coffee date with someone in a hundred years, the storm gods decided to bring down a mix of rain and snow. The cafe was bustling but she saw no sign of her date, a handsome satyr. They had matched on FairyTaleRomance.com ("Find your Happily Ever After!") and he had suggested this place for their first meeting. With nothing else to do she stood in line, hovering in the air so the large beings around her didn't accidently step on her. When she ordered a hot chocolate, the barista told Amalda he'd bring the drink to her table.
Enjoying this story? Don't miss the next one!
That was good, since the drink ended up being bigger than Amalda's bedroom closet. She'd forgotten what it was like moving in "big" spaces. She was used to fairy buildings.
"Oh well," she thought. "The things we do for love."
Her phone buzzed. It was the satyr, saying the weather was too bad for him to come in for their date.
She stared at her phone then at the massive drink.
"Screw it," she said, took off her wet clothes, and climbed up into the mug. She sighed. Finally, she could relax.
The End
This story was first published on Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Author Comments
I think dating and trying to connect with people is tricky even in a fantastical world.
- Shannon Fay
Become a Member!
We hope you're enjoying Table For One by Shannon Fay.
Please support Daily Science Fiction by becoming a member.
Daily Science Fiction is not accepting memberships or donations at this time.
Rate This Story
Please click to rate this story from 1(ho-hum) to 7(excellent!):
