The Airport at Christmas

Little Claudia held on tight to her mother’s hand so that she wouldn't get lost. They were walking through the huge, busy departures hall at the airport. There were people everywhere, walking to and fro all over the place and pushing trolleys piled with suitcases, bags, boxes and beautifully wrapped gifts. Above their heads, Christmas decorations hung from the high ceiling. It was already Christmas Eve, so everyone was keen to get home to their loved ones in time to celebrate.

Claudia and her mother passed through a gateway that beeped. Mum’s handbag and Claudia’s stuffed monkey had to be placed on a belt and go through a machine while a gentleman in uniform checked what was inside them. Claudia could see what was inside her monkey, like on such an X-ray. Luckily, the man confirmed that her monkey was healthy and had nothing in its tummy.

After that, they walked over to some very large windows, through which Claudia could see several huge planes parked on the tarmac. She couldn’t see them very well though, because thick snowflakes were falling outside.

Hooray, it’s snowing! thought Claudia.

Oh crumbs, it’s snowing! thought Mum. She was a little bit worried that the planes might be delayed because of the snow.

Claudia watched happily as the uniformed airport staff X-rayed other people’s handbags, briefcases and backpacks. She stroked her monkey.

Just then, there was a commotion. A slightly dishevelled gentleman in a suit and tie did not want to put his briefcase on the X-ray belt. The airport lady had to take it from him by force. The man kept on shouting: “Fagotto, fagotto!”

The airport staff started talking nervously into their walkie-talkies. The alarm went off, a pair of…