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 dome 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.
Later, he woke up. Harald was asleep. Carl looked at his watch. It was midnight. He called the air hostess.
‘Excuse me, what time do we arrive?’
’11.30 p.m. local time, sir. That’s about half an hour from now.’
‘Thank you.’ Carl changed the time on his watch.
‘Anything else, sir?’
‘No, I don’t think so. Oh, wait a minute – could I have a cup of coffee, please?’
‘Yes, of course, sir.’ He watched her bring the coffee.
‘She walks like my daughter, too,’ he thought. ‘And she is very young. She looks nervous, not sure what to do.’
