 How does Phil respond to Mary's concerns regarding the space mission?
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. And the faint lines around his dark, deep-set eyes were accentuated when he smiled at his wife. 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. But I don't think I ever really believed it was possible—not until this morning when you said tonight was the take-off.
 He tries to present reassuring evidence and be honest about his fears if he is not allowed to fulfill the mission
 He strives to communicate that he should not have to choose between his relationship and his lifelong passion  He lovingly teases her about her emotions, but ultimately them as unfounded and hyperbolic  He tries to present reassuring evidence and be honest about his fears if he is not allowed to fulfill the mission  He insists that she trusts in his competency and readiness for the mission at hand