Love Not Human

Contents

Plot Summaries

"Black Charlie":

An art critic believes he knows what is "art" and what isn't. But when a stranger shows up with a box of figurines, he agrees to meet the artist, who known only as Black Charlie. But when the search for the mysterious artist leads into the swamps of a young planet, he discovers just what it truly means to be called an artist.

"Moon, June, Spoon, Croon":

An edmic computer discovers he is the only one of his kind, and finds he is "alone-ly". Not able to accept that, he subsequently searches for a partner.

"The Summer Visitors":

After a boy climbs a cliff to escape local bullies, he encounters Olympians who teach him courage, wisdom, and humility.

"Listen":

On what appears a typical day, four-year-old Taddy goes on an outing with his guardian, Reru—and discovers how everything in his world is truly interconnected.

"Graveyard":

A blind boy deals with having a mental link with a dog.

"Fido":

The crew of an exploratory spaceship encounters something that raises intelligence in humans and animals alike.

"The Breaking of Jerry McCloud":

A man is torn between losing the woman he loves and his stubborn refusal to compromise. When he goes on a last desperate gamble on a hunt for the elusive Skem, he encounters a whole new perspective on the dynamics of relationships.

"The Christmas Present":

A little boy celebrates Christmas with a gift to his friend Harvey, a swamp-dwelling alien jellyfish. Harvey does not understand, but resolves to give a present in return; the only one he knows how to give.

"The Monster and the Maiden":

In Loch Ness, the Clan has only four surviving members. When the Youngest encounters an injured diver, she resolves to help him; and challenge an ancient taboo against contact with humans.