Science Fiction Short Story Review: "Say 'Hello' for Me" by Frank W. Coggins

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Professor Pettibone has been marooned on Mars for 20 years. His shipmates have perished. For twenty years, he gets up every morning, dresses in what remains of his spacesuit recites a little ditty to the sun he learned in childhood: "Good morning, bright sunshine, We're glad you are here. You make the world happy, And bring us good cheer." He gathers food and water and polishes the remains of his spaceship, figuring it’ll be easier to spot if it’s nice and shiny. He never once doubts rescuers will come. Professor Pettibone manages to keep in shape. He and grows taller, probably because of the lower gravity. He comes to accept where he is and what he has to do to remain alive. One day, as he hurries to the berry bushes before the sun gets too hot, he hears alien sounds… This is a short little yarn about coming to terms with what is and accepting life as it is. It has an odd, understated ending and even though there are some unlikely elements, it was satisfying, Robinson Crusoe with a twist. This is available on YouTube and through Librivox as an audiobook and through Project Gutenberg. I’ve been unable to find any bio details for the author, or indeed, any other work attributed to him. This makes me wonder, rightly or wrong, whether the name isn’t a pseudonym of another author, perhaps someone who normally wrote in another genre. _____ Title: “Say ‘Hello’ for Me” Author: Frank W. Coggins First published: If May 1953 Source: ISF *An earlier version of this review appeared on another site. It has been expanded and updated for its inclusion on myLot.*