He put his bag under his seat and sat down. His friend herald sat beside him. They watched the other passengers coming onto the plane. Herald looked at his watch. 9.30 p.m., he said. Good. We’re on time.
Carl agreed. And in three hours we’ll be home, he said. That’s good. We’ve been away for a long time. You’ll be pleased to see your family, won’t you , herald?
Herald smiled. Yes, I will. Have you seen this, sir? He opened his bag and took out two small planes. These are for my sons. I always bring something back for them. How old are your sons? Carl asked. Five and almost seven. The older one has a birthday tomorrow.
He’ll be very excited tonight then.
Yes. I hope he gets some sleep.
The plane took off. Carl watched the lights of the airport grow smaller below them. Then the plane flew above the clouds and he could see the moon and the stars in the night sky. He lay back in his seat and closed his eyes.