"Hero, the Movie: What's Left When You've Already Saved the World? " by Bruce McAllister

An interesting story that takes a look at what happens after a hero has saved the world, married the girl of his dreams and got the job he wants. As it turns out, it is not happily ever after for this hero. Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he loses his wife and his job and seeks ever after to redeem himself and find his place in the world. And when he does, it is with the help of some unusual people who recognise the unique skills that made him a hero in the first place.

• Read from Fantasy and Science Fiction, July 2005