Dad had already gone when Bobby got up. This disappointed Bobby a little
but then he remembered--_this was the big day_. Naturally Dad would get
over to the project early. And at four o'clock-- Bobby shivered
deliciously at the thought of it.
He ate his breakfast in silence with Mom across the table drinking a cup
of coffee and looking at a fashion catalogue. He was glad she was
occupied because he didn't want to talk; not today he didn't. Might
spill something secret. Might even let out the _big secret_. That would
be terrible.
Of course, all things were secret at Buffalo Flats. So secret top
scientists like Dad didn't even discuss them with wives like Mom. And
wives like Mom never asked.
So it was really something to sit there eating breakfast knowing that,
today, Dad was going to rocket to the Moon. And with Mom not even
knowing the Lunar project was in the works, so naturally not dreaming
that he was going _with_ Dad! The thrill was overpowering.
Maybe they would have radio communication after they got there and he
would call back and say, _Hello, Mom! Guess where I am? On the moon with
Dad!_ And Mom would say, _Why, Bobby! Scaring me to death like this! I
was looking all over for you._ Sounding very angry but not being really
angry after all. Because maybe Dad would cut in and say, _Yeah, he's
right here with me, dear. What do you think of this boy of ours?_
Bobby gulped the last of his cereal so he could go outside and wriggle
for joy. As he got up from his chair, Mom said, "And what's your plan
for today, young man? Davy Crockett or Buck Rogers?"
[Illustration]
Bobby had a quick thought--a sudden temptation. Why not give Mom a hint?
Why he could even _tell_ her and she still wouldn't know. Then later,
after he was gone, she would remember back and say, _That boy! When he
tells you something he really means it._