Launch Sequence

There’s a spark, hiss, and clank. The doors open, I am ripped into space. My heart is racing, breath gasping. My shuttle glints in the distance. The oxygen meter is counting down.

I was set up. I could not have made such a stupid mistake!

If I slap myself will I wake?...

Oh God, my wife and kids. I could have been a better father. What will they do without me?

No, I raised them well. My wife is a good mother. They’ll survive.

I can’t keep my eyes open. What could I have done?

This silence is deafening.