 How long was Mary standing outside?
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. I told you that we've sent five un-manned ships up and everyone came back without a hitch." "Mary, you know I can't back out now. "I've got to get started, Mary. I won't be here because I won't be the wife of a space pilot for the rest of my life. She finished and took another cigarette from the pack on the coffee table and put it to her lips.
 For almost half a day.
 She had gone home but came back for the launch.  For almost half a day.  For a couple hours as Phil went through pre-boarding procedure.  A full 24 hours.