Paddington’s Journey to Somewhere

It was a sunny afternoon in Lviv, and Paddington Bear was standing on platform four of the grand old railway station, clutching a large suitcase in one paw and a paper bag of boiled eggs in the other. He was wearing his blue duffle coat and a very serious expression.

Next to him stood his dear friend Eva, who had bought their tickets and packed them both sandwiches. Eva was wearing a very smart red, white and blue dress in the colours of the Norwegian flag, which Paddington thought was very sensible, as it helped her stand out in a crowd.

“We’re off on an important mission today,” said Eva, checking the time on her wristwatch.

“I like important missions,” said Paddington. “Especially when they involve hard-boiled eggs.”

They were taking the overnight Ukrainian Railways sleeper train to an unknown destination somewhere east. Eva had said they were going to help women and children affected by the war, and Paddington had insisted on coming along — not only to lend a paw, but also to see what sleeping on a Ukrainian train might be like. Although he had taken a train from Darkest Peru to London, so he thought he might have an idea.

When the train pulled into the station with a loud hiss and clank, a rather stern-looking attendant in a navy uniform stepped out and blew her whistle. He was not the sort of person Paddington thought you should argue with before breakfast.

“Your passports and tickets, please,” he said, without smiling.

Paddington opened his suitcase and produced a very crumpled ticket, some marmalade sandwiches, and a note that said “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”

The attendant blinked, then peered down at him.

“Do you always carry your sandwiches in your hat?” he asked.

“Oh yes,” said Paddington. “It’s very convenient during long journeys.”

Eva showed her passport and explained in Ukrainian that Paddington was travelling to offer comfort and hugs to people who needed them. The attendant gave them a very long look, then gave a small smile and said, “Well, in that case, welcome aboard. Carriage five. Middle bunks.”