October 2026: The Million-Year Picnic Summary

William Thomas, his wife, and their three young boys, Timothy, Robert, and Michael have escaped to Mars. After claiming to be taking a vacation on Mars, the couple packed their belongings, and flew to Mars on a family rocket William has saved for since before the war. On arrival, the family goes on a fishing expedition, and young Timothy notices his father seems relieved, but is forever looking skyward. A Martian bird flies into view, and William, frightened, admits that he thought it was an Earth rocket. His statement, as the family observes the Martian fish, shows his fear and hatred for the war that has destroyed Earth, and for the logic and lack of common sense that allowed that war to occur. The boys wait anxiously to see Martians, and William states they will see some...