Earthbound

"Earthbound" by Lester Del Rey is a short science fiction tale from the early 1960s concerning dreams of cosmic journeys, loneliness, and the hurdles that confine humanity. The story follows Clifton, a space hero now back on Earth among cheering crowds, which is a stark contrast to his discontented spirit. He meets Ahasuerus, an old man, who embodies a longing for space with his lifetime dedication to crafting space boots, despite never actually leaving Earth. Though Clifton is stirred by Ahasuerus's powerful space dreams and offers him a spot on a voyage to Rigel, Ahasuerus believes something is holding him back on Earth; the story reveals the tough realities that stand in the way of fulfilling the biggest dreams.