"And then tomorrow I’ll open my next manila folder and do it again."

November 6, 2021 2:34 PM

Gods, demons, angels, etc. deal with bureaucracy and support groups in some short fantasy stories. "Magicians at Law" by Grace Seybold has arbitration and a kitty-cat: “Hm. I’m assuming, given the smell, this was a standard demonic service contract?” "Broken Idols, Guarded Hearts" by Elizabeth Loupe has an old, possibly obsolete rivalry: "We’d expected death, but they said we’d been punished enough. That was true." "Mr. Death" by Alix E. Harrow [content note: child death] has a lot of grief: "Every new reaper is shielded, at least a little."
posted by brainwane (10 comments total)

there's just not enough time in my life to read all the stories brainwane has been posting; but I will do my best.
it's a wonderful public service, this, er, filtering you're doing ... brainwane, I salute you!
posted by chavenet at 3:05 PM on November 6, 2021 [6 favorites]

Opening a tab for this so I remember to read these.

I wonder if there might be interest in discussing some short stories over on fanfare? (Might be redundant, not sure).
posted by bunderful at 3:08 PM on November 6, 2021

has arbitration and a kitty-cat

I know there's a subset of MeFites for whom this is the sweet spot.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:17 PM on November 6, 2021 [3 favorites]

That cat story was simply delightful - thank you!
posted by mogget at 5:31 PM on November 6, 2021 [3 favorites]

has arbitration and a kitty-cat

I know there's a subset of MeFites for whom this is the sweet spot.

It me! As they say on the internet.
posted by entropyiswinning at 5:59 PM on November 6, 2021 [3 favorites]

Aww. I almost wasn't going to read the third story because of the content note and description, but I'm so glad I read it after all. Beautiful writing, lovely story. Don't miss it.
posted by evilmomlady at 6:11 PM on November 6, 2021 [4 favorites]

These were wonderful. Thank you <3
posted by bunderful at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2021 [2 favorites]

I figured out the twist in the kitty cat one pretty quick but happily kept going. If you're bummed out this is a story you should read.
posted by East14thTaco at 12:58 PM on November 7, 2021

Awww, the kitty story! Such an easy solution!

I am curious as to what the Department of Life does?
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:44 PM on November 7, 2021

I was thinking the department of life must be involved in the preservation and protection of life.
posted by bunderful at 3:48 PM on November 9, 2021