Clues to the Universe

After New Year's, Ro is filled with anticipation when she meets Benji at the field for the second launch. The Expedition II takes off like the first one did and makes it about 400 feet higher, but it’s still nowhere near the goal Ro has in mind. The radio also doesn’t work, which leads Ro to take it to Mr. Voltz again. He helps her rewire the radio but admits he doesn’t know enough about rockets to help with the actual build. Ro and Mr. Voltz start talking, and he reveals that he knows about Benji wanting to find his father. He mentions Ro’s father and how sorry he is that he’s gone, and Ro asks Mr. Voltz if grief ever gets easier. She describes constantly realizing her father is gone, over and over again, and wonders if that ever goes away. Mr. Voltz hates to admit that his grief has not gotten easier, and Ro laments all the things she never got to do with her dad. Together, they share an understanding and painful silence.