The Pied Piper of Stars

By Chandra Snicker

An otherworldly visitor.

A shattered promise.

And an unpaid debt.

Alma didn’t know her days on Earth were numbered, but when a mysterious visitor from a distant galaxy reappears after a centuries-old deal was struck, everything changes.

Set days before aliens from space collect their debt from Earth, follow Alma and her family in this sci-fi retelling of the classic terrifying fairy tale, The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

*This is a standalone short story*

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chandra Snicker
• Release date: Nov 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005272296

Chandra Snicker

Chandra Snicker is the author of speculative short stories ranging from fantasy, science fiction, horror, and blended genres. When not writing short stories, Chandra writes poetry and works on her dark fantasy novel, and other projects. A former teacher, Chandra enjoys theatre, myths, nature, and video games.

Book preview

The Pied Piper of Stars

Chandra Snicker

Alma was seven-years-old when they came. 

It was May, and Alma was outside, her hands blue with the chalk she used to draw out hopscotch on the driveway. She was proud of her ability to write the numbers correctly, and she enjoyed the warm promise of summer in the air. Alma’s mom sat in a chair, a tired smile on her lips, sunglasses on, and a cool drink in her hand, while Alma played with her brother.

Alma’s brother, Isaiah, had been upset about their dad, but now he was all smiles as he ran in circles in the yard. Alma tossed her chalk to the side and called over her brother, bouncing up and down with excitement to have him share in her game. They had just hopped when their mom said, Kiddos, you need to move out of the way. Look who’s home. The smile she