Every morning, Anna, with other children of the village, ran off to the fields to spot the airplanes that flew over her town. Afterall, it was her dream to fly it someday. Well, at this age she won’t mind flying in it. Did her dream come true?
Recommended age: 10+ years
Once upon a time, there lived a girl called as Anna. She was a chirpy little girl who loved playing in the grass fields and watching airplanes flying by. She had lovely brown hair that ran till her elbows. Her big brown eyes were full of excitement and curiosity. She loved reading and never hesitated in asking questions to her parents or teachers. Her village had a small bookshop owned by her uncle where she went often to read books. Books about machines and automobiles fascinated her the most.
Every morning Anna, with other children of the village, ran off to the fields to spot the airplanes that flew over her town. She would get thrilled and rushed out of her home whenever she heard the sound of an airplane flying by. Every time Anna looked at an airplane, she would imagine about its interiors and machinery. Afterall, it was her dream to fly it someday. Well, at this age she won’t mind flying in it.
One day in the bookstore Anna found a book written on the life of Amelia Earhart who was the first woman pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Anna was amazed by her bravery and imagined herself doing the same. That night she slept thinking about Amelia and what must have happened to her after her plane disappeared.
Next morning, she heard from her uncle that his neighbour’s son, Toby, has become a pilot and he is coming to the town in next few days. Anna jumped out of joy and ran to her mother to tell this news. She told her mother that she wanted to meet Toby. Seeing the excitement in Anna’s eyes, she agreed to take her to meet Toby.
Anna wanted to impress Toby with her knowledge about aircrafts. Even though she had read about them on the internet or in the books, she wanted to know more. She decided to wear her favourite jeans and t-shirt that day. She asked her uncle every day whether Toby has arrived or not.
After few days, Anna’s mother told her that they will be going to meet Toby after 3 days. Toby was returning to the town after 2 years and wanted to spend some time with his parents before he meets anyone else. Those were the longest 3 days for Anna.
Finally, the day of meeting Toby arrived. Anna, dressed in her favourite outfit looking her best, went to his house with her mother. Anna looked at him with great enthusiasm and shook his hand firmly. For the next few hours, they only talked about airplanes and aircrafts. Toby was mighty impressed by her sharp mind.
Just before Anna left for her home, he asked her mother if he can take her for a flight with him? Hearing this, Anna started jumping with joy. Her excitement knew no bound. She badly wanted her mother to say yes. Anna’s mother wanted to ask her father before saying anything. Anna walked to her home as fast as she could. She was praying that her father allows her to go.
She waited impatiently for her father to arrive home from work in the evening. As soon as he entered home, Anna told him that Toby has offered to take her with him on a flight. Surprised, her father didn’t know what to say. He knew it’s her dream. He gave her an unsure smile and agreed!
After a few days, Anna’s mother got a call from Toby that he would be leaving for the main city after 4 days. Anna’s mother still wasn’t sure about sending her on the flight as she and her husband have never been in an aircraft ever. Scared and confused, she asked Toby shyly if she or her father can accompany her on the flight? Toby happily agreed. Hearing this conversation, Anna hugged her mother and went to her room. She started imagining her flight and how awesome it would be. In the next 4 days, Anna had nothing else to talk about but this.
Finally, the day of leaving for the main city arrived. That morning, Anna woke up earlier than her usual time. She wore the same outfit that she wore on the day she went to Toby’s house for the first time. She went to the bus stop with her father, from where they caught the bus. Anna sat on the bus next to her father and Toby sat on the seat behind her’s. She just couldn’t wait to reach the airport. During the journey, she talked to Toby only about airplanes.
The bus reached the main city after 2 hours. Three of them got down to take another bus that would take them to the airport. They took that bus and soon reached the airport. As they entered the airport, Anna was amazed. The lights, so many people, the hustle-bustle, the high roof, the impeccably dressed airline staff – she hadn’t seen anything like this before. Nervous, she held her father’s hand tightly.
After the security check, they went to an area marked as “STAFF ONLY”. Toby asked Anna and her father to wait outside in the lobby while he prepares for his flight. He returned in his pilot uniform and asked them to follow him. After a brief walk, he introduced them to a flight attendant and asked her to take them to the aircraft safely.
The flight attendant took them on a bus towards the aircraft. It was exactly how Anna imagined. She couldn’t believe that she is looking at the aircraft so closely which, until now, she only saw flying over her town. Everything that was happening was like a dream for her. The flight attendant asked them to get down from the bus and walk towards the aircraft.
The giant aircraft in the apron, the gushing of the wind, the sound of the engine running, the noise from walky-talkies, the boarding stairs – everything was surreal for Anna. She wanted to absorb every sight and detail. The flight attendant directed them towards the stairs. Anna’s heart was pounding with both nervousness and excitement. All this while, she didn’t let go of her father’s hand. They walked into the aircraft and took their seats.
The same flight attendant walked up to Anna and asked her to come along. Anna got out and started walking behind her. She took Anna inside the cockpit. Anna couldn’t believe her eyes. Toby waved at her and showed her the things inside the cockpit. As curious as she was, she couldn’t stop herself from asking questions. Finally, the time to take off came. Toby asked her to take her seat and follow the instructions.
The airplane started moving on the runway. Anna’s heart was thumping with joy and fear. She squeezed her eyes. Gradually the speed of the plane increased. At a very high speed and with a slight jerk, it took off. It was unbelievable! As the plane soared high, Anna opened her eyes and looked out the window.
That was a view that she will never forget.
I will be writing Children’s Fiction all through the month of April as the part of A to Z Challenge. With this story, I embark upon an unexplored path. Read about it here.
