The first bag

Target Audience: 6/8 y.o. boys

Bob stepped off the train.

The smell of travel and fall filled the air as he carried the two bags to the station. As he neared the closest swinging door, a woman with kind eyes held the door open.

“Thanks,” said Bob gratefully, as he smiled and quickly passed the doors.

“No problem,” said the woman and she smiled.

Dropping off one bag at a nearby bench, Bob lugged the other bag to the nearby window.

A tall man with fast hands asked, “Hello, how may I help you?”  His hands continued sorting and stamping paperwork.

“How much to send mail this bag to the closest ocean?” asked Bob.

“Um, we don’t ship to the ocean, “replied the tall man; the various papers on the tall man’s desk were quickly arranged into neat piles.

“Well … what routes do you have available that cross the ocean,” asked Bob.

The tall man stopped touching his desk.

“Um, I’m afraid you may not understand what we do here,” said the tall man

“... Is this where one charters a train?” asked Bob.

“Yes,” replied the tall man, “although I have to admit I have not heard it described in that manner in a long time.”

As one of the stamped papers seemed to curl up, the tall man gently slapped his hands down on the errant corner.

“Well, may I charter a train to cross the nearest ocean,” asked Bob.

As busy travelers walked behind Bob – his eyes were occasionally drawn to his own second bag.  It remained where he had placed.

“Um, sir,” said the tall man. “Our trains do not cross the ocean. I am not aware of any trains that cross the ocean.”

“Ah, “said Bob, “Well, may I speak to Peter?”

“Certainly,” replied the tall man, “One moment, please.”

The tall man closed the lower-half of the service window and moved from view.

Bob turned to look at his second bag; the bench remained untouched.

‘Excuse me’ came from the window; Bob turned to see a man with piercing eyes.

“Yes, hello,” said Bob. “I’d like to charter a train for the nearest ocean.”

“See, sir,” said the tall man. “I told him we do not offer that service.”

“Yes, “said the shorter man, “Well, I can offer you the route if you are only carrying non-perishable items and have the appropriate voucher.”

“What?!” said Bob and the tall man at the same time.

“The oceanic route is available exclusively to specific travelers,” said the man with the piercing eyes. “Due to the cost and the frequency with which the route is provided, it is simply not common knowledge.”

“But … but … how,” stuttered the tall man, as his handles gently moved, trying to find purchase. “How do the trains traverse the ocean?”

“Ah – that is a trade secret, Maurice,” said the shorter man, as he twirled his mustache. “It is also why you’ve not heard of it until now.

“Does this voucher serve as payment as well?” asked Bob, as he placed the small heavily-embossed certificate on the counter.

“Indeed,” said the man, “and may I ask from whom you acquired the voucher, sir?”

“Why, it was included in the will, along with this bag,” replied Bob.

“Ah yes, very good sir,” said the man, as he punched a hole in the corner.  “Will that be all?”

“Yes, sir,” replied Bob.  “And if I my leave this bag for that route, I shall be on my way.”

“Excellent, sir,” said the man. “And have you made arrangements for yourself and your other luggage?”

“Yes, thank you,” replied Bob.

“Very good, sir,” replied the man.

A small door opened near the window and the tall man carefully picked up the heavy bag and closed the door.

Bob picked up his remaining bag and left - he trusted his brother was finally laid to rest.