Forever is so long

Forever is so long by John Jakes is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. Centered on a groundbreaking longevity experiment, it probes the emotional and social costs of near-immortality, especially its strain on love and belonging. Frank Ridley, a rocket man, spends a year in a secret hospital where Dr. Lord replaces his blood with a new plasma that will let him live for centuries. Released back into New Chicago, he seeks out Virginia Halloran, who loves him but recoils from the idea of aging while he stays young. When Dr. Lord must rush to Mars to help another researcher after a disastrous trial, Frank agrees to go if Ginny can be offered the same treatment. She initially refuses, longing for a normal human life, but at the last moment she runs through the rain to the departing ship, choosing to stay with him. As they head for Mars and discuss her undergoing the procedure, the story closes with Lord watching them—poised to become the first two immortals.

Forever is so long, by John Jakes. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #78908.