Missing Helen

by Tia Tashiro

2026 Hugo Awards Voter Packet.

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction

15 pages, ebook

Published May 6, 2026

Reviews

[Bookfairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't tend to write reviews for short stories, but I'm trying to write more generally, so here you are!
This is set in a time where you can get paid for donating some of your genetic material and releasing the rights to a *clone* of you. When you donate this way, you release the rights, but also you aren't supposed to try to contact your clone, and this story gives us a glimpse into an odd situation where our main character meets her clone when she's reached adulthood. I'm not sure I want to tell any more, but even that premise is rather interesting.
For now, you can read it on Clarkesworld for free! clarkesworldmagazine.com/tashiro_07_25/

[Pau Lethani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

Hmm not sure what to feel about this one. It made me uncomfortable but at the same time I was intrigued. I'm not a fan of this kind of topics though.

[Andrew Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly my vein of fiction, but very good. Good enough I immediately went through the rest of her short fiction available On Clarkesworld.com.

[chvang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come:

When Mark told you he was marrying your clone, you said “congratulations” on autopilot, because that’s what you say when your friend tells you they’re getting married, and you had promised to stay friendly after the divorce.

Intrigued? Read this 2026 Hugo & Locus Short Story Finalist here:

https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/tash...

Review to come. Themes of letting go.of, anger? Regret? Of wan5ing whats best for aomeone--stress its not the ex, but the clone. Mother giving up child for adoption.. Colone: Wanting to know where one comes from.