-Year 1997-
"We are looking for 10 volunteers that are willing to go into space and travel beyond human boundaries, and explore Saturn's moons, Titan and Enceladus."
Mark stared at the television in awe, soon enough, his expression turned into a grin.
"Mommy! I want to explore the moons! I want to be one of the volunteers!"
Mark was known for being such a smart child by the age of 8. That is..if it involves space or anything galactic related. Nothing really spoke to him besides the topic of space, maybe it was the way the constellations sparkled? The way shooting stars pass by his house and he can't help but to just gawk at them?
She smiled warmly towards her enthusiastic son and patted his head softly.
"I'm afraid you're too young, Mark.. maybe when you're olde-"
She stopped once she heard the television come back into her hearing.
"This mission, however, will require a few more years of research and experiments. The estimated date of the mission will be 15 years from today on. Volunteer applications will be accepted in 10 years, people within the range 18 and over."
Mark's eyes grew with delight as he heard the news. "Mommy! I can be a volunteer! I'm going to space!"
Mark's mom sighed softly and went down to his eye level. "Listen Marky, my sweet, beautiful, delightful Marky. I understand you want to do this, but there will be a lot of people who will make it and-"
"Are you saying that I won't be able to make it Mommy? Do you not believe I-I can make it?" Mark stood up, tears pricking the corner of his eyes. "Mommy? Why do you not believe in me? Am I dumb or something?"
Mark's mom gently grabbed her son's face and cooed softly, "Darling, let me finish. Okay?"
Mark nodded his head softly, maintaining eye contact with his mom even with tears blurring his vision.
"I'm not saying that you aren't going to make it. I'm trying to explain that there will be many volunteers and that if you don't make it, don't give up your passion for space. I know you will make it. I believe in you, my sweet Marky. I'm your mom, I'm always going to be your number one supporter."
Mark nodded once more, tears flowing down his face. "Thank you, Mommy. I love you so much."
"I love you too, my sweet little Marky."
"Accepted volunteers will be awarded a full scholarship with NASA and be able to meet other astronauts. Remember, only the lucky 10 will be accepted in 10 years. The mission itself will start 5 years later. Best of luck to you all. Now, back to your regularly scheduled program."
"Come on Mark, help me make dinner." She reached down to grab his small hand, which he gracefully intertwined with hers.
"Mommy?" Mark shifted his head to look up at her.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Why are you crying?"
She used her other hand to wipe a single tear from her face. Why was she crying? Maybe it's the fact that her little Marky is growing up. Already planning on what he was wanting to do at the age of 23. Soon enough, her little Marky won't be so little anymore. He'll be a full grown adult soon. Maybe she shouldn't overlook into the future.
"Aha, nothing, my darling. Go grab the carrots from the fridge, please?"
Mark gently released her hand and walked to the fridge.
She wiped away her tears and smiled.
'My little Marky is going to be an astronaut.'
"Mommy?"
"Coming, sweetheart!" She walked towards her son and started making dinner along with her future little astronaut.
