In this imaginative collection of short stories and poems, chance encounters spark strange situations, unexpected consequences, and unforgettable connections. An augmented octopus crash-lands on a new teacher. A series of mysterious boxes lead humanity to discover they are not alone in the universe. A night out with a stranger leads to a remarkable and bittersweet connection. From eerie fairy tales to haunting sci-fi, each tale pulls readers into vivid, fully formed worlds where the unexpected waits around every corner. Perfect for fans of speculative fiction with teeth, Chance Encounters blends science fiction, horror, dark fairy tales, and romance into a genre-crossing journey of what it means to meet—and be changed by—the other. About the Author Jack (they/ze/he) is a trans neuroqueer educator who has been writing poems and short stories since they were little. They currently live in the PNW with their family. When they’re not teaching or writing, ze enjoys reading horror, science fiction, and fairy tales.