Summary:
"A Hitch in Space" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction short story written during the early to mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around an odd psychological phenomenon experienced by Jeff Bogart, a space guard, who develops an imaginary companion that turns out to be his partner, Joe Hansen. This story explores themes of identity, companionship, and the effects of isolation in a humorous yet thought-provoking manner. The plot follows Joe Hansen as he works with Jeff on a seemingly routine mission in space. As Jeff converses with his imaginary alter ego, Joseph, Joe finds himself both bemused and troubled by the dynamics of Jeff's perception of him. As the mission progresses, things take a dramatic turn when Jeff inadvertently leaves Joe behind during a critical operation. Joe's desperate attempts to reconnect with Jeff while grappling with his thoughts provide insight into his character and the complexities of human relationships. Ultimately, the story delves into how perception shapes reality and the sometimes humorous consequences of one's mind. (This is an automatically generated summary.)