In 2018, thirteen stories were selected for the short list of The Journey Prize in Canada. Although none of the stories this year stand out head and shoulders above the others, always there are few that impress. I like the awkwardness of the relationship in “Barcelona,” by Aviva Dale Martin, and grittiness of “Castaways,” by Rowan McCandless, and the obliqueness of “Before He Left,” by Jason Jobin. Many of the stories overtly signalled the gender, ethnicity, or orientation of their authors. Curious. It might be a sign that the journals that submit stories to the prize for blind refereeing are being tempted to game the system. Or that the selectors wanted to be gamed. That would be disappointing if it were true. It might also be telling none of the stories that stood out for me ended up in the final three from which the winner of the prize was chosen. ( )