 Why does Mary ask Phil to go to the rocket as soon as they can see it?
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. Phil Conover pulled the zipper of his flight suit up the front of his long, thin body and came into the living room. 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. Nothing would ever be right with me again if I didn't go. "I've got to get started, Mary. "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. "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.
 She did not want to prolong the painful goodbye.
 She was not allowed to stay there, as a civilian, so she had to leave.  She did not want him to be late for his very important mission.  She needed to drop them off so she could leave.  She did not want to prolong the painful goodbye.