The last lines that land, closing moments from thousands of vintage SF stories. Mind the spoilers, and follow any that stop you into the full read.
Twenty-four hours after the aliens left, Pollnow was dead--of starvation.
There came a beautiful, blinding light.
"Earth," he whispered. "We made it."
That was the end of all dreams.
_He felt very tired._
Mary was asleep in the stern.
But it isn't going to do any good to run or hide or doubt your friends. Someday I'm going to find you.
"Peek-a-boo," said Mink.