This debut collection from Nebula-nominated author Caroline M. Yoachim showcases a wide-ranging selection of dark and beautiful stories, fiction that explores human nature against vividly imagined speculative backdrops. Here you’ll find time travel, alien invasions, Japanese mermaids, and more–stories of struggle, heartbreak, and hope. The book features twenty-five of Yoachim’s most popular published pieces, and two brand new stories exclusive to the collection. Cover art by shichigoro-shingo. Table of Contents Part 1: Our World Five Stages of Grief After the Alien Invasion Betty and the Squelchy Saurus Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death The Philosophy of Ships Temporary Friends Interlude: Flash Fiction Worlds A Million Oysters for Chiyoko Carla at the Off-Planet Tax Return Helpline Do Not Count the Withered Ones Pieces of My Body Everyone’s a Clown Harmonies of Time Part 2: Fantasy Worlds Stone Wall Truth The Little Mermaid of Innsmouth On the Pages of a Sketchbook Universe Seasons Set In Skin The Carnival Was Eaten, All Except the Clown Interlude: Flash Fiction Worlds Paperclips and Memories and Things That Won’t Be Missed Please Approve the Dissertation Research of Angtor Grass Girl One Last Night at the Carnival, Before the Stars Go Out Honeybee Elizabeth’s Pirate Army Part 3: Alien Worlds Mother Ship Four Seasons in the Forest of Your Mind Press Play to Watch It Die Ninety-Five Percent Safe Seven Wonders of a Once and Future World