Car Pool

"Car Pool" by Rosel George Brown is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the experiences of Verne Barrat, a woman who navigates the complexities of parenting and social dynamics in a world where alien children, specifically Hisereans, are being integrated into human society. The narrative touches on themes of acceptance, misunderstanding, and the challenges that come with blending different cultures. In "Car Pool," Verne finds herself responsible for a carpool that includes Hi-nin, a Hiserean child, while also managing her own human children. As the story unfolds, tensions rise when a series of unfortunate events highlight the cultural differences and misunderstandings between the human children and the alien child. Verne struggles with her interactions with Regina Crowley, another mother in the carpool, leading to conflict that arises when one of the human children bites Hi-nin, causing a chain reaction of fear and blame. Ultimately, the narrative explores the difficulties of acceptance and the emotional burdens on both mothers, while portraying how innocence and misunderstanding can lead to dire consequences in a mixed community.