Marion Zimmer Bradley
Jackie sees a star
"Jackie Sees a Star" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a short story written in the mid-20th century. This imaginative tale focuses on the worldview of a young boy named Jackie, who believes he has a psychic connection with an extraterrestrial friend named Mig, living on a planet near a sun that is about to explode. The story navigates themes of childhood innocence, scientific curiosity, and the intersection of imagination and reality. The narrative follows Jackie as he engages with his aunt Dorothy and his mother, Beth, regarding his fantastical friend Mig. Initially dismissed as mere imaginative play, Jackie's claims take on a surreal quality after a true astronomical event—a supernova—occurs on the very date promised by him. As scientists and outsiders become fascinated with Jackie's abilities, his life becomes increasingly complicated, leading to challenges in his everyday life and relationships. The story ultimately explores the pressures placed on children who are seen as extraordinary, juxtaposed with the simplicity and purity of a child's wonders about the universe.