Little Stranger

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, ableism, mental illness, child abuse, addiction, and child death.

Olivia Vize awaits her new foster brother at the airport. Her mother, Jennifer, looks forward to taking in a new child in the same way that they adopted Olivia, “[rescuing her] from that evil place” (9). Olivia’s father, Jamieson, is less confident, given Malachi’s checkered history. Olivia greets the boy, confused when he communicates using American Sign Language (ASL). Even so, she takes his hand as he leads her to a men’s restroom while her parents are distracted. After Jamieson locates and shouts at the children, Olivia understands when Malachi indicates that he does not speak. Malachi is not deaf, as he indicates he can hear what Olivia says.

Jennifer explains that the whole household (including their extensive staff) will learn ASL. Despite the large house, the children will share a room. Malachi indicates a quick possessiveness toward Olivia, which he demonstrates by repeatedly sniffing her hair.

On Malachi’s 12th birthday, Olivia learns to play “Happy Birthday” on the piano to alleviate his bad mood. Malachi and Olivia are close, though Olivia’s friends bully Malachi for signing, especially as his reason for not speaking is psychological rather than physiological.