b) They were accused of a crime they didn't commit.
In John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men," George and Lennie are forced to leave their job in the town of Weed because they are falsely accused of a crime. Weed is a small agricultural town in California, and the incident that leads to their departure occurs when Lennie, who is mentally disabled, unintentionally scares and hurts a young woman.
Lennie's love for soft things and his inability to control his own strength cause him to pet the woman's hair too roughly. She becomes frightened and screams. In his confusion and fear, Lennie continues to hold on to her hair, causing her to panic further. While Lennie's intentions were innocent, his actions are misinterpreted as an assault.
This incident creates a major problem for George and Lennie as they are suddenly faced with the possibility of being lynched or arrested. News of the incident spreads quickly, and an angry mob is formed. Aware of the danger they are in, George is forced to make a quick decision to protect Lennie. He instructs Lennie to run away and hide in a designated spot by the riverbank, while George himself attempts to defuse the situation.
Ultimately, George and Lennie are unable to prove their innocence and must flee Weed to escape the repercussions of the false accusation. They continue their journey as migrant workers, finding employment at a new ranch and hoping for a fresh start. The incident in Weed serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold in the rest of the novel, highlighting the challenges and struggles faced by George and Lennie as they strive for a better life.