"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.
