Maximum

‘Maximum thrusters,’ Mark shouted, running around the room.

He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do before he went to his friends. It was brilliant to be on school holidays, but sometimes he missed going to school. Not that anyone would understand that.

One day, he would go into space, and travel to Mars.

At school they said it only took forty days and by the time he was old enough, perhaps it would be like going to the seaside in the car. His rocket was made out of an old toilet roll tube, and a few wires he got from Daddy’s tool box.

‘Do you want to go to the park now?’ His mummy asked.

‘Yes, can I take my rocket?’

‘Of course you can, and don’t forget to put on sun cream.’