by Ann Leckie.
read by C. G. Furst.
Matthias Fenstermacher loved onions, but hated slicing them, and so he labored to produce a tearless variety. His first attempt was indeed tearless–instead of weeping, the slicer was overcome by fits of uncontrollable giggles. The potential hazard was obvious.
Rated G. — but don’t listen while chopping onions.
This story was one of the honorable mentions named and purchased by Stephen Eley after the Escape Pod Flash Fiction contest for short fiction under 300 words.
Tangaroa said,
June 13, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
For some reason this one made me think of the Simpsons episode where they grew the mutant tomatoes crossed with tobacco called “tomacco”.
scatterbrain said,
June 15, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
So did I Tangaroa!
This story isn’t *real* fantasy; it’s more slipstream, or, as F&SF would put it, “quirky”.
The Cat's Other Mother said,
June 17, 2009 @ 8:03 am
Of course it’s real fantasy. I thought it was a savory little story. Quite delightful. I especially loved the idea of the ‘rumored onion d’amor’.
Rochita said,
June 18, 2009 @ 7:42 am
I loved this