Pack a bag

Mum, I'm packing! My list is long. Backpack: yes. Adaptor: yes. Swimming costume: yes. I'm so ready.

The backpack is full, so I sit on it and try to zip up. Nothing. My brother helps. Now I can't breathe, but the bag is shut. Mum, did I say I'm going for two days?

Twenty-three kilos! I know, my check-in bag is heavy. Wait, let me weigh it again. Twenty-two. Better!

Nothing else can fit in, not even a sock. Oh no, I forgot my shoes! No, wait, they're on my feet. Sorry. It's very, very early.

Beach list: sunglasses, flip-flops, hat. Umbrella? It's Scotland, so yes, umbrella! Two umbrellas. Maybe three.

In my wash bag: soap, shampoo and a small towel. No, two small towels. Mum packed one too. She loves me. I love her too, but I need more space.

Dad says, "Take out the big coat. It's July!" Okay, I take out the big coat. Then I put in my winter hat. Just in case.

Dad says, "Leave behind the hat, please." I leave behind the hat. Then I put in the gloves, just in case. Dad has stopped talking. I think he is packing a bigger bag.

My sister travels light. One small bag for two weeks! She can fold a coat into a sock. I don't understand it.

I have a list, and I tick off every thing. Enough socks? Yes, fifteen pairs. Enough T-shirts? Twenty. My sister looks at me. "It's a weekend," she says. Oh.

Packing for Cornwall! Pyjamas: yes. Shorts: yes. Sandals: yes. Swimming trunks: yes. Cap: yes. I'm so ready for the beach.

Mum comes in and says, "Raincoat?" It's July! "It's Cornwall," she says. I put in the raincoat. Then I take out the shorts and put in a jumper. Mum smiles. She knows.

Okay, night flight kit. Travel pillow: yes. Earplugs: yes. Eye mask: yes. Let me double-check. Yes, yes, yes.

Don't forget, on every flight there's a baby. That's why I have earplugs! Now I'm on the plane. The baby is sleeping. The man next to me is not. He snores like a lorry. My earplugs are in my hand luggage, in the locker above.

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