 How is Phil feeling at the beginning 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. 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. Phil sat beside her and put his arm around her small shoulders. 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. 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.
 He is upset by the way Mary stifles his hopes.
 He is nervous about the mission but hopeful that it will be a success and he could return home.  He is uncertain if he is the right person to go on this mission.  He is upset by the way Mary stifles his hopes.  He is too excited about fulfilling his dream that he ignores everything else going on around him.