Heartlines Spec, Issue 7, Spring 2025

The stories and poetry within Issue 7 confront fear and anger, successfully or not. Hope and resilience are shown through the character’s search for a future, for love, for belonging. There are also stories that show the outcome of giving into fear, when they let doubt claw its way inside. There’s a need for balance, to accept the dark within yourself without letting it shadow you.

Editorial
Editorial by Rebecca Bennett

Short Fiction
You and I and I and You by Camden Rose
Chew, Chew, Chew by Z.M. Asafzah
White Smoke from the West by J.Y. Zhang
Hex Triplet 00F00 by Laura Chilibeck
The Colour of Longing by Leo Oliveira
White Crane and Red Fox by Chezza Lee
In Sheep’s Clothing by S.C. Mills
Poppies, Parchment, and Painted Nails by Em Rowene

Poetry
Demonology for the Lovelorn by Jennifer Crow
The starry path by Diem Okoye
All Relative by Ayida Shonibar
Tonight, Even the Moon Has Travelled Home by Daniel Oluremi
Numbered by Devan Barlow

Non-Fiction
Can Someone Check on Abdul Aziz? by Bibi B.
Coup de Recent Canadian spec-fic reads by Lulu Vidal