illustration by Uy Pham

In the 2024-25 sci-fi anthology Community Reading from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Octavia’s Brood, the short story “Little Brown Mouse” by Tunde Olaniran is compelling and thought-provoking, diving into the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Readers follow Thomas, nicknamed the “Little Brown Mouse,” as he grapples with the disconnect he feels within himself and the world around him. As the story unfolds, Thomas must also confront a surreal experience that disrupts his sense of reality, blurring the lines between what is real and imagined.

The story begins with Thomas recalling a disturbing childhood memory after falling down the stairs leading up to his home. When he was 11 years old, he found and trapped a brown mouse in the attic. Instead of killing the creature immediately, he placed it in a clear container, filling it up with water as he watched it drown. Although disturbing, this moment symbolizes Thomas’ internal conflicts and his feelings of powerlessness. Despite the control he had, Thomas never felt actual power over the mouse. Its death is what marks Thomas’ life heading in a downward spiral, culminating into a series of tantrums that eventually land him in a mental hospital. Even after his release, Thomas’ sense of restraint deepens. He becomes an extension of this little brown mouse, trapped with his internal struggles.

A part of Thomas’ fight with his emotions and fears is the manifestation of a mysterious woman who seems to haunt his every waking moment. Although her presence is described as eerie, her features eventually become clearer as she attempts to deliver an urgent message to him. In the end, she reveals that she is actually from another universe.

The woman explains to Thomas that by surviving the accident that killed his mother, he has become one of the few people capable of preventing an impending disaster. Out of both curiosity and a feeling of necessity, Thomas allows the woman to guide him to her realm. In the end, she reveals that Thomas is destined to save the world, and after hearing her explanation, he agrees to help her.

Identity and belonging are central to the “Little Brown Mouse,” and Olaniran successfully portrays them with emotional depth. Readers can find themselves relating to Thomas’ journey of self-discovery and his struggle to understand his place in the world. The integration of reality and dreams through the woman are also an intriguing aspect of this story, further defining its sci-fi nature. As Thomas tries to separate himself from his reality, the boundaries between their two worlds collide.

Although the woman’s sudden appearance and swift exposition of her backstory feels rushed, her role as a catalyst for Thomas’ transformation is pivotal. A longer exposition would deepen her impact and further explore the complex relationship between reality and the “alternate universe.”

While the supernatural elements add an intriguing layer to the story, Thomas’ grief remains the heart of this emotional journey. His sense of guilt around his mother’s death drives him to constantly isolate himself, especially from his older sister, Ange. He is seen closing himself off from her, and it is clear that he believes that she blames him for their mother’s death. This grief is poignant when Olaniran writes, “That’s what Thomas did best: push things away, ignore them, deny them — Everything was his fault.” Although Thomas’ guilt and isolation is what shapes the beginning of his emotional journey, his character development is the story’s greatest strength.

One of the most powerful moments occurs when Thomas allows his sister to hug him for the first time in years after accepting the mysterious woman’s mission. This is the ultimate symbolization of his growth, and this moment of vulnerability represents his shift from fear and isolation to acceptance and self-assurance. Thomas is a deeply complex character who feels universally relatable yet uniquely individual. His despair and eventual self-acceptance resonates with readers even after the story ends.

True growth often comes from embracing both our fears and our relationships. “Little Brown Mouse” is a reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a powerful step toward healing and belonging.