IanG

Brief though it is, you evoke the scene well.

There's no shame in being anxious at a time like this, so are millions all over the world. Even adults feel like that from time to time.

I like the way you fuse the everyday with the sci-fi. Even in outer space daughters can be irritated by over-protective mothers. Her inner conflict over answering the call is believable and you wrote a good cliffhanger.

The part about the cheif and his morning coffee was funny.

Its good that you're self-critical, if you want to be a writer that's a hopeful sign. I think you improved as the piece went on.

This is nostalgic, plausible and, I suspect, angry under the surface. Similar scenarios are playing out all over the world, including my native U.K. Well done.

I'm glad they took in the cat, they did right there.

A lighthearted but interesting idea. This should go down well with youngsters at Christmas.