 What is most ironic about the conclusion of the story?
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction December 1955. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. 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. Nothing would ever be right with me again if I didn't go. I won't be here because I won't be the wife of a space pilot for the rest of my life. "I wish you had told me this a long time ago, Mary," Phil said.
 Mary's fear of losing Phil became a self-fulfilling prophecy
 While Sammy is the least qualified to go into space, he was the only replacement for Phil  Everything that used to give Phil joy will now represent pain and suffering  Mary's fear of losing Phil became a self-fulfilling prophecy  Phil trained all of his life for one moment, and gave it all up within the period of one day