SATURDAY

→ →  LAST DAY ON EARTH!

WELL, THIS IS IT:

Launch Day! I made it, guys!

I'm actually perfectly content to leave for Mars. I'm well trained, Mbali has kissed me (I think) and Loyiso has been put in his place.

→  EPIC!

A massive parade came to bid me and my family farewell. Even Mrs SnoreMore and principal SnotBrain were in the crowd. (I guess they actually do like me, after all.)

Loyiso was also at the site, but I think he was just there in the hopes that the space shuttle would blow up or something.

Kurt and Zen were nowhere to be seen.

I guess the emotional stress of saying goodbye was too much for them to handle. Never mind, I forgive them.

Mbali blew me a kiss from the crowd. I knew it was her!  S I G H H H .

Sergeant BullyBeef and Professor BushyBeard shook my hand, as did the city mayor.

We boarded the space shuttle and took our seats. I put on Gany's seatbelt and buckled us both in. We began the launch sequence drills:

Tata started the main engine.

I checked for any leaks.

Mama conducted voice checks with Ground Control and checked the weather.

Gogo made sure the Launch Pad and Blast Danger Area were clear of all crew.

I was really, really nervous.

But I reasoned that a great, big, amazing adventure was ready and waiting for me. I gave Gany a little pat on the head, closed and locked my space helmet's visor and prepared for lift-off.

Ground Control asked each of us if we were "good for go". We all replied: "Go."

The boosters ignited and the countdown began.

Goodbye Earth, goodbye Mbali, goodbye Kurt and Zen, goodbye pizza and milkshakes. It's been real.

10,  9,  8,  7,  6,  5,  4,  3,  2,  1  ...

B  L  A  S  T   O  F  F  !