The smart ones

"The Smart Ones" by Jack Sharkey is a science fiction story that focuses on the lives of people during the Cold War as the threat of nuclear war looms over them. The story follows Pete and Beth Crolin, a couple who must decide whether to stay in their home and face possible destruction or attempt to find safety on a spaceship heading to Moonbase. Beth chooses to leave with a neighbor named Martin, seeking a chance at survival, while Pete is overcome with fear and stays behind. The narrative then shifts between different characters, showcasing the emotional distress and disarray that people experience as they confront the potential end of the world. As devastation unfolds, the story concludes with the survival of children who are left to learn how to live in this new world, highlighting themes of resilience and the ability to adapt in the face of drastic change.