The Red Planet

Epilogue

The weeks after returning were rough and quite strange. I still had to continue a diet of smoked mushroom and garlic yogurt, but they didn't have anything like that on Earth. As a result, I had to end up learning how to make it myself. Most days I didn't feel like eating though. I constantly felt dizzy and nauseous like the whole world was spinning. I drank lots of water to keep myself hydrated to help my body recover. My mom and I both slept most of the time due to constantly feeling tired. We both could feel the effects of space on our bodies. It took me a few weeks before I felt normal again and almost a month for my mom.

As expected, Andrew and I had lost our job due to missing too many days of work. It worked out though because we both ended up getting a job at the local arcade. I tried to explain to Imani why I didn't show up to our date. She didn't believe me and thought I just stood her up, so she doesn't really talk to me anymore.

My mom was finally able to return the medicine samples she gathered from Mars and her team has been analyzing them to figure out how to replicate it into our medicine. I see her more than I used to before she left for Mars, and I enjoy that we have more time to spend with each other. I'm most happy about seeing how much happier my dad is now that mom is back. He makes sure to let her know everyday how much he loves her. I enjoy living life as a complete family, and I had been without one for so long that I almost forgot what it was like. On Mars with Miss Prudy and Andrew I felt like a complete family too, but it wasn't the same, as much as I loved them.

It's definitely been weird being adjusting back to life on Earth but I'm glad I got to experience the unique culture and people of Mars. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I'll forever cherish the beautiful memories I made, and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.