Dearest

Name: Dearest
Author: H. Beam Piper

By H. Beam Piper

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Science-Fiction & Fantasy Short Stories

About This Book

An elderly widower faces relatives determined to have him declared mentally unfit and confined, and a psychiatrist evaluates him amid family tensions over inheritance. He reports encountering an invisible, childlike, nonmaterial presence that communicates within his mind and elicits a cat’s attention, while the family and doctor interpret the phenomenon as delusion or senile dementia. The narrative traces the clash between personal experience and clinical judgment, highlighting motives of control and loneliness, and probing how imagination, companionship, and age are judged and dismissed by others.

About the Author

H. Beam Piper

H. Beam Piper was an American science fiction author known for his imaginative storytelling and exploration of complex themes. His works often delve into alternate histories and the implications of technology on society. Among his notable titles is "Little Fuzzy," which presents a thought-provoking narrative about the nature of sentience and rights. Piper's writing is characterized by a blend of adventure and philosophical inquiry, making significant contributions to the genre during the mid-20th century. His stories, such as "A Slave is a Slave" and "Four-Day Planet," continue to resonate with readers, showcasing his ability to weave intricate plots with compelling characters.