"Science Fiction" means—to us—everything found in the science fiction section of a bookstore, or at a science fiction convention, or amongst the winners of the Hugo awards given by the World Science Fiction Society. This includes the genres of science fiction (or sci-fi), fantasy, slipstream, alternative history, and even stories with lighter speculative elements. We hope you enjoy the broad range that SF has to offer.
Toshiya Kamei's short fiction has appeared in Korad, SmokeLong en Espanol, and several indie anthologies.
"My dog ate my homework!" Hiroshi blurts out, and his nose grows. Long enough for several birds to perch on it. Dr. Sakai examines his latest invention. Even up close, Hiroshi's synthetic skin looks real.
"If you want to be a real, live boy, you'll have to do better than that," Dr. Sakai says with a frown. To tell a convincing lie. That's the mark of a real human being. "Keep trying," he mumbles. Hiroshi wonders if it would help to cry.
"I love you, Daddy!" As Hiroshi's nose grows longer, Dr. Sakai presses the switch to turn Hiroshi off.
The End
This story was first published on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022
Become a Member!
We hope you're enjoying Almost Real by Toshiya Kamei.
Please support Daily Science Fiction by becoming a member.
Daily Science Fiction does not have a paywall, but we do have expenses—more than 95% of which are direct payments to authors for their stories. With your $15 membership, less than 6 cents per story, we can continue to provide genre fiction every weekday by email and on the website to thousands of readers for many years to come. You may also choose to support us via patreon.
Rate This Story
Please click to rate this story from 1(ho-hum) to 7(excellent!):
