 What best represents the theme 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. His face, usually serious and quietly handsome, had an alive, excited look. And the faint lines around his dark, deep-set eyes were accentuated when he smiled at his wife. He came to her and touched his hands to her soft blond hair, raising her face until she was looking into his eyes. Yes, I'm sure you did," she said, finishing the ritual; but her voice broke, and she turned her head away. We know exactly how it will be. If anything could go wrong, they wouldn't be sending me; you know that. "Mary, you know I can't back out now. You know how much I've wanted to be the first man to go. 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. No matter how much I love you, I just couldn't take that, Phil. "Yes, you did. I told you I could never be the wife of a space pilot. But I don't think I ever really believed it was possible—not until this morning when you said tonight was the take-off. "It isn't a dream.
 Rigid thinking and ultimatums in relationships rarely result in desired outcomes
 Compromise is essential to long-lasting, happy successful relationships  It is better to be honest about something bothering you than to withhold it and possibly cause a shared goal to fail  Keeping one's family happy and intact is ultimately more important than any personal or professional goal  Rigid thinking and ultimatums in relationships rarely result in desired outcomes