 What do you think life is like for Mary and Phil after the events of the story?
Yes, I'm sure you did," she said, finishing the ritual; but her voice broke, and she turned her head away. If anything could go wrong, they wouldn't be sending me; you know that. "Mary, you know I can't back out now. "Phil, if you go, I won't be here when you get back—if you get back. I won't be here because I won't be the wife of a space pilot for the rest of my life. No matter how much I love you, I just couldn't take that, Phil. "I wish you had told me this a long time ago, Mary," Phil said.
 Phil closes himself off, resenting Mary for forcing his hand.
 Mary is thankful that Phil did not leave, and their lives continue as normal.  They become closer friends with Sammy who is thankful to have gone on the mission.  Phil closes himself off, resenting Mary for forcing his hand.  Mary helps Phil find another mission closer to home.