A couple, Peter and Polly Horn, eagerly anticipate the birth of their first child, but the outcome is far from what they expected. Instead of a typical baby, they are presented with a small blue pyramid with appendages and eyes, a result of a malfunction in advanced birth technology that caused the child to be born into another dimension. The doctor assures Peter that the child is alive and healthy, but its appearance is shocking and alien. Peter struggles with the reality of the situation, initially rejecting the notion that this creature is his child. He grapples with feelings of horror and disbelief, while the doctor explains that the child is not a mutant but a being from a different dimension. Despite the initial shock, Peter resolves to raise the child, whom they name Py, and to provide it with love and care. Polly, upon learning the truth, is determined to see her child and accepts the situation with surprising resilience. As they begin to bond with Py, they face the challenges of keeping him hidden from the outside world, fearing societal rejection and misunderstanding. The couple visits the hospital regularly for check-ups, and Polly grows increasingly attached to Py, despite the unconventional circumstances. As time passes, the strain of their situation begins to take a toll on both Peter and Polly. Polly's mental health deteriorates, leading to bouts of drinking and despair. Peter becomes protective of Py, creating a soundproof nursery to shield Polly from the child's unusual cries. The couple's relationship becomes strained as they navigate the complexities of parenting a child who is not recognized as human by society. Dr. Wolcott, the doctor overseeing Py's case, continues to work on a solution to bring Py back to a recognizable form. He proposes a radical idea: instead of bringing Py into their dimension, they could enter his. Polly is eager to take this step, believing it will allow her to connect with her child in a way that transcends their current limitations. Ultimately, Peter and Polly decide to undergo the procedure to enter Py's dimension. They lie on tables in a laboratory as the machine activates, and they experience a transformation that alters their perceptions and forms. When they emerge, they find themselves in a new reality where Py appears as a normal baby, and they are filled with joy and relief. The story concludes with the family united, embracing their new life together, free from the constraints of their previous existence. The narrative explores themes of love, acceptance, and the complexities of parenthood in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
By Ray Bradbury · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction