The Good Neighbors

"The Good Neighbors" by Edgar Pangborn is a science fiction story that uses a dramatic alien encounter to examine humanity's capacity for both fear and empathy. In a world resembling our own near future, a colossal alien being accidentally breaks free from its spaceship and floats across America's urban landscapes, sparking waves of panic and destruction. As the creature's sad cries ring out across the cities, military forces attempt a response that leads to disaster in New York City, striking a devastating blow. The alien's species later sends a regretful apology, admitting the chaos resulted from the alien child’s accidental escape and offering compensation deemed insufficient by Earth's standards.. Through this unique narrative, Pangborn provides an analysis of humanity's reaction to the unfamiliar, showing how primal fears can result in misjudgment and catastrophe while also underscoring the vital need for shared responsibility and compassion between all beings.