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Cover of Sorry: Wrong Dimension

Sorry: Wrong Dimension

Written by Ross Rocklynne

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Science FictionShort stories

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About this book

"Sorry: Wrong Dimension" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a housewife, Stella, and her neighbor, Mabel, as they encounter a mysterious and invisible creature—a 'Drinko'—that plays with Stella's baby while they are inadvertently trapped in a bizarre scenario that hints at interdimensional travel. The story explores themes of motherhood, unexpected adventures, and the clash between the mundane and the extraordinary. In the storyline, Stella enjoys a rare moment of peace when her baby doesn't cry, only to discover that he has been happily playing with an unseen monster. As she and Mabel grapple with this revelation, they soon find themselves ensnared in a dimension where the usual rules do not apply. When two bumbling crooks attempt to abscond with the baby monster, they seek help from the dimension police. Ultimately, Stella's determination to protect her child leads to the apprehension of the thieves, and she is gifted the elusive Drinko as a reward. The tale is whimsical and humorous, highlighting the absurdity of their predicament while emphasizing the bond between mother and child.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Sorry: Wrong Dimension, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • beginner
  • whimsical
  • humorous
  • adventurous

Ross Rocklynne's "Sorry: Wrong Dimension" is a whimsical 1950s science fiction short story that thrusts an ordinary housewife, Stella, and her neighbor, Mabel, into an interdimensional escapade. What begins as Stella's peaceful discovery of her baby playing with an invisible creature, a 'Drinko,' quickly escalates into a bizarre adventure when they find themselves in an alternate dimension. When bumbling crooks attempt to steal the 'Drinko,' Stella's fierce maternal instinct kicks in, leading her to enlist the help of dimension police. The story humorously blends domesticity with the fantastic, culminating in Stella's heroic retrieval of the Drinko, which she receives as a reward.

“Stella stared, blinked, then stared again. There was nothing there. Absolutely nothing. Yet the baby giggled.”

Key themes

Motherhood and Maternal Instinct
This theme is central to the narrative, as Stella's primary motivation throughout the adventure is the protection and well-being of her child and the Drinko, which has become a cherished part of her baby's life. Her fierce determination to reclaim the Drinko from the crooks underscores the universal and powerful bond between a mother and her child, extending even to an interdimensional pet.
The Mundane vs. The Extraordinary
The story brilliantly highlights the contrast between the ordinary, domestic life of a 1950s housewife and the sudden intrusion of interdimensional travel and alien creatures. This clash creates both humor and a sense of wonder, suggesting that the fantastic can emerge from the most unexpected places in everyday existence.
Humor and Absurdity
Rocklynne infuses the narrative with a pervasive sense of humor, often derived from the absurdity of the situation. The story revels in the comedic potential of normal people reacting to wildly abnormal events, using bumbling villains and matter-of-fact interdimensional authorities to enhance its lighthearted tone.

Worth discussing

How does Rocklynne use humor to make the extraordinary events of the story more palatable and engaging?

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