Zero Hour

"Zero Hour" by Alexander Blade, is a science fiction story set in the mid-20th century, exploring a child's fascination with space exploration through a boy named Bobby. Bobby learns his father is working on a rocket launch to the Moon, sparking his adventurous spirit and leading him to plan a secret mission to join his dad on the lunar journey. The tale unfolds with Bobby's inner struggle between his longing for an exciting adventure and his responsibility to his family, particularly his mother, leading him to make a mature decision. This story highlights themes of youthful dreams, the wonder of space travel, and the complex emotions that come with growing up, all set against the backdrop of the era's booming interest in space.