It's been 10 years since Lennie was convicted for the murder of Curley's wife and thankfully today was the day that Lennie was released from prison. He came over to George's place, which is now a ranch. He had finally got his dream. He knocked at the door and was immediately welcomed by George's two kids that he had with his new wife who wasn't a tart like Curley's wife. The child had always thought of Lennie as an uncle, which is why they call him Uncle Lennie.
Lennie and George decided to step outside to reminisce about the old times and how George was about to get them their dreamland. Lennie had changed quite a bit. He was faster at understanding things, he was able to understand situations better, and he was able to speak more clearly. George was surprised at how much Lennie had changed although he knew that 10 years had gone by. George however wanted to see if a part of the old Lennie had remained and therefore told him something that made Lennie get excited.
George took Lennie to the newly cut field where he had some chickens, horses, and rabbits. It only took Lennie one look before he ran to one of the rabbits and started petting it with excitement. At that moment, George knew that the old Lennie was still there. The same Lennie who always told George if he was allowed to tend the rabbits was still there. George was glad that a very important part of his old friend was still there within him and he hoped that Lennie would still continue to be Lennie for the years to come.