Two migrant workers, George and Lennie, have been let off a bus miles away from the California farm where they are due to start work.
George finds that Lennie loves petting soft things, but often accidentally kills them, has been carrying and stroking a dead mouse. George angrily throws it away, fearing that Lennie might catch a disease from the dead animal.
George complains loudly that his life would be easier without having to care for Lennie, but the reader senses that their friendship and devotion is mutual. He and Lennie share a dream of buying their own piece of land..
George ends the night by treating Lennie to the story he often tells him about what life will be like in such an idyllic place.