Next Time I'll Take the Train

“This is your captain speaking. We are currently experiencing engine problems and are working to correct the issue. Please remain calm and remain seated. Please fasten your seatbelts.”

“Does that mean we are going to die? Is the engine on fire?”

“No we are not going to die. Here’s let me help you with your belt. And where are your parents? You’re a bit young to be here all by yourself. I assumed someone was going to take that empty seat beside you.”

“We are going to dieeeee!”

“We’re not. Here, hold my hand.”

“Ew, it’s sweaty. I don’t want to. I want my mommyyyyyy!”

“I’ll see if I can find your mommy. What’s that in your other hand?”

“It’s my pony. Oh No…Pony is going to dieeeee!”

“No one is going to die. Here, take my serviette, try to stop crying.”

“It has wine on it. I saw you spill your wine. I want a clean one.”

“It’s all I’ve got. The staff are busy right now; use this.”

“Why are you yelling at me? You’re mean.”

“I’m not yelling. I am asking you to calm down and stop crying. It will be okay. Hold on to Pony.”

“Mommmmyyyyy!.”

“Give me strength. Where is your mommy?”

“I don’t know. Mommy and daddy are going on some big, world trip and I’m going to grandma and grandpas in England for the summer. That’s why I’m here. They would know where mommy is.

“Huh. So you are here all alone? No one is helping you or taking care of you?”

“Someone did when I sat down but now they’re not working.”

“I think they’re all buckled in to be safe. They are still here. Somewhere.”

“Why is the airplane jumping up and down? I might barf. Pony help meeeee!”

“Please don’t. Take a deep breath…and another…one more…it’s okay. It will all be fine. Here, take my hand. I’m scared too.”

“Really?”

“Really, really.”

“Will we really be okay?”

“I think we have to be. Your grandparents will be at the airport waiting for you.”

“Will you help me to get to them?”

“The airline should have someone who is doing that, but I’ll walk along with you to make sure you are safe. Okay?”

“Okay. Will you be my new BFF?

“What’s that?”

“Best friend forever.”

“Oh… Sure. Um…why not.”

“Pony is used to being bumped around. Sometimes I drop him. Can we hold Pony together? He will help protect us from the airplane jumps.”

“That sounds like a great idea. And remember…deep breath…in…out…deep breath…in…out...”

(424 words)