Beautifully written speculative fiction from Metaphorosis magazine. Memories, travel, and identity. Becoming a tree, applying to college by grappling hook, and living with a monster in your heart - the best science fiction and fantasy stories from Metaphorosis magazine's eighth year. ContentsThe Conch Shell - Elizabeth Raphael The Excursionist of JCPenney - Chris Panatier Arborify - Cadence Mandybura Pain Eater - Danny Menter She Was the Universe - Damian Stockli Catching College - Maggie Slater The Beast-Consul - E.C. Dorgan Visions for the Independent City of New York - Cidney Mayes Astrid Underwater - J.J. Eskelin Useful and Beautiful Things - E. Saxey A Wielder Does Not Know Regret - Katherine Karch Packing List for Oblivion - Cameron Bertron Nothing but the Gods On Their Backs - Alex T. Singer Cover art by Carol Wellart.