“They did it, dad,” Chris Borman said. “The Alcubierre Drive. Faster-than-light travel. Your grandchildren will go to the stars, like you went to orbit.”
Colonel Borman’s palsied hand shook. Chris held his astronaut father’s bluing fingers, knowing he had told him the last lie he would ever need to hear.
Matt McHugh was born in suburban Pennsylvania, attended LaSalle University in Philadelphia, and after a few years as a Manhattanite, currently calls New Jersey home. See more at mattmchugh.com.
“You may get several more years with immediate, aggressive treatment. Are you ready?”
Bill’s wife blubbered. He’d given her jewelry, vacations, homes, children, and a 401k from a dead-end job. Now she wept as tumors crept through his body.
“Yes, doctor!” she replied.
Finally reclaiming his life, Bill whispered, “No.”
Matt McHugh was born in suburban Pennsylvania, attended LaSalle University in Philadelphia, and after a few years as a Manhattanite, currently calls New Jersey home. Some of his work is available at mattmchugh.com.