As I don't know Melinda Falls' short fiction well, it's hard to say for sure. But common themes in short fiction often include love, loss, and self - discovery.
Without having read Melinda Falls' short fiction, it's difficult to be precise. However, many short fictions explore the passage of time and how it affects people. It might show how characters change over time, or how their memories of the past influence their present actions. Also, themes of identity, such as cultural identity or personal identity, are quite common in short stories as well.
Identity is another big theme. Lesbian characters often struggle to come to terms with their sexual identity, especially in a society that may not be fully accepting. They might question themselves, face internalized homophobia, and then gradually accept and embrace who they are. Take stories where a young lesbian is trying to figure out her place in the world while hiding her identity from her peers at first.
One common theme is memory. Food often has the power to bring back memories. For example, a character might taste a certain pastry and be instantly transported back to their childhood.
Survival is another theme. Characters in these stories are often faced with difficult choices in order to stay alive during the chaos of the war. They might have to scavenge for food, find shelter, or even betray others. Also, the theme of heroism is explored, not just in the traditional sense of soldiers fighting bravely, but also in the acts of ordinary people who show courage in the face of danger, like hiding Jews from the Nazis.
One common theme is the impact of technology on humanity. For example, how new inventions can change the way we live, think, and interact with each other.
War and conflict are common themes. Since it's set in a war - torn universe, battles between different factions like the Imperium and Chaos are often depicted.
Another theme could be the exploration of the senses other than sight. Since he is blind, the stories may focus on how he experiences the world through touch, smell, and hearing in a very vivid and detailed way. For instance, he can describe the smell of a flower or the sound of a raindrop in a way that makes the reader truly understand his unique perception of the world.
Since I don't know the exact Shamengwa short stories, it's hard to say. But generally, short stories can explore themes like love, loss, identity, and the human condition.
Power is a common theme. For example, how the king wields his power, whether for good or bad. In many stories, a king might have to make difficult decisions regarding the use of power, like in times of war or when dealing with internal unrest.
One common theme is family. Many short Tamil stories depict the relationships within a family, like the love between parents and children, or the conflicts and reconciliations among siblings. For example, a story might show how a son overcomes his differences with his father through understanding and forgiveness.
One common theme is space exploration. Clarke often writes about the adventures and challenges of traveling in space.