29 Authors. 29 New Short Stories.

An all-fiction issue.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story July 10, 2020 As the Covid-19 pandemic swept the world, we asked some of our favorite authors to write original short stories for a special all-fiction issue of the magazine. From Margaret Atwood to Tommy Orange, David Mitchell to Leila Slimani, and many more — here are tales of joy, death, love, fear, sex, family, frailty, accidents, misfortune, murder, aliens, memories of war, fears of disease and reasons for hope. Explore our Decameron Project here. Art by Sophy Hollington SHORT STORIES TO HELP US UNDERSTAND THIS MOMENT. Illustration by Shawna X   The Decameron Project Margaret Atwood: ‘Impatient Griselda,’ a Short Story New fiction: “Well met by moonlight, my lord,’ Imp said when the Duke appeared in the shadows.” From the magazine's Decameron Project. By Margaret Atwood Sophy Hollington   The Decameron Project Edwidge Danticat: ‘One Thing,’ a Short Story New fiction: “Two people in what looked like spacesuits had wheeled him inside.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Edwidge Danticat Illustration by Monica Ramos   The Decameron Project Tommy Orange: ‘The Team,’ a Short Story New fiction: “The world came to a screeching halt, and so did your good feelings about it being a worthy endeavor.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Tommy Orange Sophy Hollington   The Decameron Project Charles Yu: ‘Systems,’ a Short Story New fiction: “Misinformation spreads quickly through the population. Misinformation can be transmitted through the mouth or eyes.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Charles Yu Illustration by María Medem   The Decameron Project Karen Russell: ‘Line 19 Woodstock/Glisan,’ a Short Story New fiction: “Even before the accident that stopped Time, it had been quite a week.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Karen Russell Alexander Harrison   The Decameron Project David Mitchell: ‘If Wishes Was Horses,’ a Short Story New fiction: “My brain’s a featherweight stuck in a cage with the Hulk. He just keeps pummeling.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By David Mitchell Illustration by Klaus Kremmerz   The Decameron Project Etgar Keret: ‘Outside,’ a Short Story New fiction: “A hundred twenty days have passed since someone last touched you.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Etgar Keret Sophy Hollington   The Decameron Project Mona Awad: ‘A Blue Sky Like This,’ a Short Story New fiction: “‘First, I have to ask you: How attached are you to your memories?’” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Mona Awad Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Sophy Hollington   The Decameron Project Colm Toibin: ‘Tales from the L.A. River,’ a Short Story New fiction: “I have never willingly used a vacuum cleaner or knowingly made a bed.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Colm Toibin Illustration by Kyutae Lee   The Decameron Project Victor LaValle: ‘Recognition,’ a Short Story New fiction: “One of the things my dad sent me was 32 rolls of toilet paper.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Victor LaValle Sophy Hollington   The Decameron Project Mia Cuoto: ‘An Obliging Robber,’ a Short Story New fiction: “The masked man is softly spoken and has an affable look. But I’m not letting myself be fooled.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Mia Couto Derek Abella   The Decameron Project Uzodinma Iweala: ‘Sleep,’ a Short Story New fiction: “The attending said, Where there are humans, there is hope. I wanted to believe him.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Uzodinma Iweala Sophy Hollington   The Decameron Project Liz Moore: ‘Clinical Notes,’ a Short Story New fiction: “Babies get fevers. Babies frequently get fevers. The baby has no other symptoms aside from a fever.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Liz Moore Illustration by Sophi Miyoko Gullbrants   The Decameron Project Paolo Giordano: ‘The Perfect Travel Buddy,’ a Short Story New fiction: “At night, I’d stare at my wife’s back in the dim light of the bedroom, and I’d see a ridge too high to climb.” From the magazine’s Decameron Project. By Paolo Giordano Stay in touch: Follow us on Twitter (@NYTmag) or check us out on Instagram. Appreciated this email? Forward it to a friend and help us grow. Loved a story? Hated it? Write us a letter at magazine@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here to get the magazine newsletter. Listen to narrated versions of our articles every week. Download Audm for iPhone or Android. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The New York Times Magazine from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018