A mother watches her son ascend into space as the first star of the night, reflecting on their shared past and the emptiness of their home. As she goes about her daily routine, she faces the curiosity and concern of her community regarding her son's mission aboard a spacecraft. Despite the pride she feels, she grapples with the anxiety of his safety and the media's portrayal of him. The narrative shifts to her anticipation of his return, marked by a telegram from the military indicating that he is doing well. However, her joy is tempered by the reality of his situation, as she reflects on the challenges he faced growing up, including his shyness and the loss of his father in the Korean War. The mother’s thoughts reveal her deep connection to her son and her desire for him to be remembered as more than just an average boy. As the story progresses, the mother receives devastating news: a meteorite has damaged the spacecraft, making it impossible for her son to return. She recalls memories of him as a child and a young man, filled with love and longing. The narrative captures her emotional turmoil as she processes the loss, juxtaposed with her memories of his life. When a military officer arrives to express condolences, she refuses the offer to recover her son's remains, choosing instead to embrace the beauty of the stars where he now resides. The story concludes with her acceptance of his fate, finding solace in the night sky, which she now sees as a vibrant garden filled with stars, symbolizing her enduring love for her son. The mother walks back to her home, forever changed by the experience, yet comforted by the celestial connection she now shares with him.
By Robert F. Young · First published 1975 · Genre: Science Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama