Cosmic

Space is more than just a setting in the story; it symbolizes emotional depth, wonder, and the theme of Growing Up and Becoming Responsible. Liam begins the story in orbit, having lied his way onto a secret space mission. As he floats beyond Earth’s orbit, he tries to remain calm: “To be completely honest, I’m more sort of in space” (3). He’s talking into his phone, leaving a recording for his parents, and is afraid but trying not to show it. Liam’s fascination with space begins earlier with the Cosmic ride, which simulates the feeling of being launched in a rocket. The experience foreshadows Liam’s actual launch into space.

Being in space becomes a powerful and intense source of imagery and beauty, while giving Liam perspective on how small he is, emphasizing the theme of How a Change in Environment Can Change One’s Perspective. He even has philosophical musings on gravity: “Gravity is variable […] Sometimes one boy can weigh more than the whole universe. The universe goes on forever, but that doesn’t make you small. Everyone is massive” (351).

Scientific concepts like zero gravity and orbital mechanics convey emotional states as well.