The Final Frontier

Prologue (Sarah)

You are in the kitchen making food for you and your dad who is currently on his way back from visiting your mum in hospital. You feel bad for not going with him but you need to finish your study.  You hear the familiar hum of the Tesla Model Y's batteries. Odd your dad is home early. He makes his way to the kitchen. Something seems off. 

"Dad are you alright?" You decide to ask. 

"It's bad news," Your dad responds. He sits down on one of the stools. 

"Why don't you tell me while we eat dinner," You reply as you start the process of dishing up the food. Thankfully it doesn't take you long. A minute later you are both eating dinner. You can feel the tension in the air. You feel like you should pressure your dad for some answers but you know it may not be the best idea. 

"Sorry but your mum's condition is getting worse rapidly," Your dad finally explains. It is the day after your dinner and you are with your dad visiting your mum. You feel an overwhelming sadness. 

 "Sarah," Your mum grabs your hand. She is weak.

"Yes mum?" You respond. 

"Promise me you will stay strong. Marcus make sure you look after her," Your mum gives you her final instructions. She starts coughing violently. The only thing worse than  your mum's coughing is the monitors.  The doctor soon herds you and your dad out of the room. That can only mean one thing. A minute later the doctor comes out of the room. You can tell that there is something wrong just by the look on his face. It has been a year since your mum died and you are talking to your dad who is behind a glass panel. He is in quarantine for the deep space mission. You are upset at him because there is a strong chance that he and his team will not make it back. 

"Sarah I have to do this and plus you were going to leave for college," Your dad does his best to comfort you but it doesn't work. 

"Well at least I'm not leaving the solar system,"  you retort. You can feel the tears fighting their way up. It looks like your dad has the same battle. You understand the need for the quarantine. The tears finally start rolling down your cheeks. Your dad places his hand on the glass that is separating the two of you. 

"Sarah it will be alright," Your dad looks you in the eyes. You know your dad will be alright but that it doesn't change the fact that he is leaving you.