The Rocket (Bradbury)
Fiorello Bodoni, a junkyard owner, often dreamt of traveling to space.
One night, he decided to use his savings to send one of his family members on a rocket trip to Mars. However, his friend Bramante warned him about the potential resentment and jealousy this could cause within his family.
“I will ride up in one someday,” said Bodoni.
“I will ride up in one someday,” said Bodoni.
Despite this, Bodoni proceeded with his plan and drew straws to decide who would go. His wife Maria won, but she declined due to her pregnancy.
His son Paolo also won but declined due to school. Eventually, the family decided that none of them would go.
Later, Bodoni bought a mockup rocket ship from a man named Mathews. He spent the night modifying the rocket, adding old car engines to it. The next day, he announced to his family that they were all going to Mars. Despite Maria's protests, Bodoni locked the children in the rocket and simulated a journey to Mars. For a week, the rocket vibrated and shook in the junkyard, giving the illusion of a space journey.
“You are all mine,” he said. “Even if you never move or spit fire, and just sit there and rust for fifty years, you are mine.”
“You are all mine,” he said. “Even if you never move or spit fire, and just sit there and rust for fifty years, you are mine.”
When the "journey" ended, the children were overjoyed and grateful to their father. Maria, who had initially been angry, understood Bodoni's intentions and thanked him. She even asked if he could take her on a "little trip" someday, to which he agreed.
“Perhaps,” she said, “perhaps, some night, you might take me on just a little trip, do you think?”