She is also relieved to be free of her marriage. Sure, she will miss Bobby. After all, they were together for seventeen years and comfortable with one another. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for Bobby anymore.
Even before the split, Sally had come to the realization that it was not enough for her, either. Instead of being crushed by the divorce, she was feeling emancipated by the possibilities that it would bring. Sharing a glance with Tom, she notices the look on his face and wonders what he is thinking and smiling about. Is he feeling what she is? His eyes again touch her lightly and a warm feeling fills her breast. Could he…
Carl is eager to descend to the surface and start scratching around in the dirt. His mind was going over the exciting work to come. The geochemistry of a planet will tell you about the chemical processes and reactions that govern the composition of the soil and rocks. This is in addition to the interactions of the hydrosphere (hopefully, they will find one) and atmosphere and how the cycles of energy and matter transport the chemical components through time and space.
There was only one big down side to the Mars landing, as far as Carl was concerned. It would be another three and a half months longer before he and Mary could be wed, than if they were to head home now. He loves Mary with all his heart and the wait will be agonizing. But, the additional paycheck will come in handy while they are starting out. Then, a short while later it will be time to sit back and pen a book or two about the trip and their findings. Heck, he can start writing that first book, right now. Why wait? Maybe Mary could join him on the lecture circuit and he could introduce the world to her, through his eyes. Huh, all of this before the age of 30. Not, bad. Not, bad at all.