Say "Hello" for Me

"Say 'Hello' for Me" by Frank W. Coggins is a science fiction story about Professor Pettibone, an astronaut stranded on Mars for two decades after a mission gone wrong. The tale journeys through themes of loneliness, endurance, and the deep emotional life of a man yearning for rescue, portraying a strong sense of hope against the backdrop of total isolation. We meet Professor Pettibone as he goes through his daily life, a routine he developed to stay grounded as he waited, polishing his ship and repeating phrases from home. As a rescue ship appears, his hopes rise, but the arriving spacemen are surprised to find him after so long. Surprisingly, even with an offer to go back to Earth, Pettibone decides to stay on Mars, aware of the changes the planet has written on his body and soul. The story ends with the professor's goodbye, conveying a feeling of contentment in his chosen solitude, capturing the struggle of human desires, belonging, and finding peace in one's destiny as he goes back to his solitary rituals.