On A Bench Waiting For The Train | A Story Under the Stars (Read In English) | Stories Sotto Le Stelle Podcast | Short Stories For Children And The Young At Heart
02/18/25 • 14 min
On a Bench, Waiting for the Train
At the village station, under a long wooden canopy, steel tracks ran on both sides, allowing trains to speed past in a blur. But every now and then, some would stop, only for a moment, before continuing their journey after passengers had disembarked and boarded.
Grandfather had promised many times to take his grandson to visit the train station near their home, and now they were finally there. Standing on the platform, the boy waited with eager anticipation—his first time seeing a train arrive.
After a few minutes, a bell rang, followed by an announcement:
"Train number 75265 arriving on Track 2. Coming from here, going there. Please pay attention and board if it’s yours. It won’t wait long—it’s running late, as usual..."
Soon, the locomotive appeared in the distance, approaching rapidly before slowing to a stop in front of them.
The boy had never seen anything so overwhelming. Gripping his grandfather’s trousers, he shrank back and cried out:
"Help, help, help!"
To his eyes, the train was a towering iron giant, covered in strange designs, exuding mystery. A moving machine on rails. A long, mechanical serpent, fast as lightning—imposing, unfamiliar, and yet... fascinating.
Passengers stepped out of the open carriage doors, while others hurried aboard. Some people rushed back and forth, luggage in hand, checking schedules on glowing boards before boarding their trains to destinations unknown.
"Maybe it’s not a monster after all. The grown-ups aren’t scared like I am."
The boy tried to be brave, glancing up at his grandfather, who smiled and took his hand. They lingered at the station for a while, sitting on a bench, watching trains come and go, the stationmaster blowing his whistle, the endless movement of travelers.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Grandfather bought two ice creams—strawberry and pistachio—from the station café. Enjoying their sweet treats, they strolled home, hearts light with happiness.
A few days later, it was the boy’s birthday. Grandfather never had any doubt about what to give him. They returned to the station, and after purchasing two tickets, he said:
"Now you’re old enough to travel. So today, we set off on your first adventure. And just wait—when you grow up, you’ll have so many more!"
But these were no ordinary tickets.
When the station clerk heard it was the boy’s first train journey, he called over the Stationmaster. With a knowing smile, the Stationmaster reached into his pocket and handed them two colorful tickets that read:
Destination: End of the Line Station
Train Number: 18674
Valid for: Round Trip
Platform: 2 and 1/2, almost 3
Valid in: Sun, rain, snow, or wind
Includes: Popcorn and souvenir
"Huh, how odd," Grandfather thought, scratching his head beneath his hat.
"But everyone knows you can always trust the Stationmaster."
And so, hand in hand, they made their way to Platform 2 and 1/2, almost 3.
A few benches were occupied by waiting passengers, but one was free. They sat side by side. Excitement buzzed in the air like migrating birds, their imaginations already soaring as a soft breeze brushed their faces.
The train was arriving!
A whistle. The screech of brakes. The hum of engines. The overhead speakers announced:
"Attention, attention! Train Number 18674 is now at the station. Departure imminent for the End of the Line Station. The weather is uncertain, but that’s fine—nothing to be done about it anyway. Fresh, crunchy popcorn will be served throughout the journey."
The train slowed to a full stop, and with a gentle creak, its doors swung open. No one got off, but many climbed aboard, quickly filling the seats—except for one at the back of the carriage.
Grandfather settled into it, placing his grandson on his lap. The boy felt safe there.
With wide eyes, he took in the strange world around him. Some seats faced forward, others backward.
"Which ones were pointing the right way?"
He wondered for a moment, then, with a spark of imagination, transformed the passengers into pieces on a grand chessboard, ready for a fantastic game.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with a long beard stood at the front.
"Aha! An ogre!"
Beside him, a plump woman with strong features.
"Definitely the ogress!"
At the center, a blonde girl with blue eyes, absorbed in her phone.
"A princess!"
A heavily tattooed man with multiple earrings and a face full of stories.
"An explorer!"
Further back, a young woman in a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing flowing clothes and bracelets that jingled softly.
"A traveler!"
On a Bench, Waiting for the Train
At the village station, under a long wooden canopy, steel tracks ran on both sides, allowing trains to speed past in a blur. But every now and then, some would stop, only for a moment, before continuing their journey after passengers had disembarked and boarded.
Grandfather had promised many times to take his grandson to visit the train station near their home, and now they were finally there. Standing on the platform, the boy waited with eager anticipation—his first time seeing a train arrive.
After a few minutes, a bell rang, followed by an announcement:
"Train number 75265 arriving on Track 2. Coming from here, going there. Please pay attention and board if it’s yours. It won’t wait long—it’s running late, as usual..."
Soon, the locomotive appeared in the distance, approaching rapidly before slowing to a stop in front of them.
The boy had never seen anything so overwhelming. Gripping his grandfather’s trousers, he shrank back and cried out:
"Help, help, help!"
To his eyes, the train was a towering iron giant, covered in strange designs, exuding mystery. A moving machine on rails. A long, mechanical serpent, fast as lightning—imposing, unfamiliar, and yet... fascinating.
Passengers stepped out of the open carriage doors, while others hurried aboard. Some people rushed back and forth, luggage in hand, checking schedules on glowing boards before boarding their trains to destinations unknown.
"Maybe it’s not a monster after all. The grown-ups aren’t scared like I am."
The boy tried to be brave, glancing up at his grandfather, who smiled and took his hand. They lingered at the station for a while, sitting on a bench, watching trains come and go, the stationmaster blowing his whistle, the endless movement of travelers.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Grandfather bought two ice creams—strawberry and pistachio—from the station café. Enjoying their sweet treats, they strolled home, hearts light with happiness.
A few days later, it was the boy’s birthday. Grandfather never had any doubt about what to give him. They returned to the station, and after purchasing two tickets, he said:
"Now you’re old enough to travel. So today, we set off on your first adventure. And just wait—when you grow up, you’ll have so many more!"
But these were no ordinary tickets.
When the station clerk heard it was the boy’s first train journey, he called over the Stationmaster. With a knowing smile, the Stationmaster reached into his pocket and handed them two colorful tickets that read:
Destination: End of the Line Station
Train Number: 18674
Valid for: Round Trip
Platform: 2 and 1/2, almost 3
Valid in: Sun, rain, snow, or wind
Includes: Popcorn and souvenir
"Huh, how odd," Grandfather thought, scratching his head beneath his hat.
"But everyone knows you can always trust the Stationmaster."
And so, hand in hand, they made their way to Platform 2 and 1/2, almost 3.
A few benches were occupied by waiting passengers, but one was free. They sat side by side. Excitement buzzed in the air like migrating birds, their imaginations already soaring as a soft breeze brushed their faces.
The train was arriving!
A whistle. The screech of brakes. The hum of engines. The overhead speakers announced:
"Attention, attention! Train Number 18674 is now at the station. Departure imminent for the End of the Line Station. The weather is uncertain, but that’s fine—nothing to be done about it anyway. Fresh, crunchy popcorn will be served throughout the journey."
The train slowed to a full stop, and with a gentle creak, its doors swung open. No one got off, but many climbed aboard, quickly filling the seats—except for one at the back of the carriage.
Grandfather settled into it, placing his grandson on his lap. The boy felt safe there.
With wide eyes, he took in the strange world around him. Some seats faced forward, others backward.
"Which ones were pointing the right way?"
He wondered for a moment, then, with a spark of imagination, transformed the passengers into pieces on a grand chessboard, ready for a fantastic game.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with a long beard stood at the front.
"Aha! An ogre!"
Beside him, a plump woman with strong features.
"Definitely the ogress!"
At the center, a blonde girl with blue eyes, absorbed in her phone.
"A princess!"
A heavily tattooed man with multiple earrings and a face full of stories.
"An explorer!"
Further back, a young woman in a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing flowing clothes and bracelets that jingled softly.
"A traveler!"
Previous Episode
Su Una Panchina In Attesa Del Treno (Letto In Italiano) | Storie Sotto Le Stelle Podcast | Storie Brevi Per Bambini E Giovani Di Cuore
SU UNA PANCHINA IN ATTESA DEL TRENO
Alla Stazione del Paese, sotto una lunga pensilina di legno, rotaie d’acciaio a destra e a sinistra permettevano ai treni di sfrecciare velocissimi. Ma ogni tanto, alcuni si fermavano e ripartivano senza esitazione, dopo aver fatto scendere e salire i passeggeri.
Il nonno aveva promesso più volte al nipote di portarlo a visitare la stazione ferroviaria vicino a casa, ed era proprio lì, in piedi sul marciapiede accanto a lui, che per la prima volta aspettava l’arrivo di un treno. Dopo qualche minuto si sentì un campanello seguito dall’annuncio dell’arrivo.
“Treno numero 75265 in arrivo sul binario 2. Viene da quel posto per andare in quell’altro. Fate attenzione e salite se è il vostro. Aspetta poco perché è in ritardo, tanto per cambiare...”
Dopo poco, la locomotiva si avvicinò rapidamente e, rallentando, arrivò di fronte a loro in un attimo.
Il bambino non aveva mai visto nulla di così impressionante. Aggrappandosi ai pantaloni del nonno, si nascose e urlò:
“Aiuto, aiuto, aiuto!”
Ai suoi occhi il treno appariva come un gigante di ferro, decorato con strani disegni e incredibilmente misterioso. Una macchina viaggiante su rotaie. Un lungo serpente meccanico, veloce come una saetta: impressionante e sconosciuto, ma allo stesso tempo affascinante.
I passeggeri in arrivo scesero dalle porte aperte dei vagoni, e quelli pronti per la partenza salivano subito dopo. Altri andavano avanti e indietro con il loro bagaglio, controllando gli orari sui tabelloni luminosi e montando sul treno che li avrebbe portati dove desideravano.
“Forse non è un mostro come sembra. Gli adulti non hanno paura come me.”
Pensava il bambino, facendosi coraggio e guardando il nonno, che gli sorrideva prendendolo per mano. Rimasero per un po’ alla stazione, seduti sulla panchina a guardare i treni passare, il capostazione che fischiava e la gente che andava e veniva.
Sul tramonto, il nonno comprò due gelati alla fragola e pistacchio dal bar della stazione e, gustandoseli, si incamminarono felici verso casa.
Alcuni giorni dopo era il compleanno del nipote. Il nonno non aveva avuto dubbi sul regalo. Tornarono alla stazione e, una volta procuratisi due biglietti, gli disse:
“Adesso sei abbastanza grande per viaggiare, quindi partiamo per questa tua prima avventura. E vedrai quante ne vivrai quando diventerai grande.”
I biglietti erano piuttosto particolari. Infatti, quando il nonno aveva fatto presente che erano per il primo viaggio del nipotino, l’impiegato allo sportello chiamò il Capo Stazione che, una volta aggiornato sulla situazione, tirò fuori dal taschino due biglietti colorati con scritto sopra:
Destinazione: Stazione Fine Della Corsa
Treno Numero 18674
Validi per Andata e Ritorno
Binario: 2 e 1/2, quasi 3
Validi se c’è il sole, piove, nevica, o tira vento
Popcorn e souvenir ricordo inclusi
“Boh, che strano.”
Pensò il nonno, grattandosi la testa sotto il cappello.
“Ma come tutti sanno bene, del Capo Stazione ci si può fidare.”
Quindi prese per mano il nipotino e si incamminarono verso il Binario 2 e 1/2, quasi 3.
Alcune panchine erano occupate da passeggeri in attesa, ma una era libera e così si sedettero l’uno vicino all’altro. L’emozione vibrava nell’aria come stormi di uccelli migranti verso terre lontane, e l’immaginazione per l’avventura che stava per iniziare cominciò a prendere forma, mentre un venticello leggero sfiorava i loro volti.
Il treno era in arrivo!
Un fischio, uno stridio dei freni mentre la locomotiva rallentava, e poi il ronzio dei motori. L’annuncio vocale confermò l’arrivo e la destinazione esatta:
“Attenzione, attenzione, Treno Numero 18674 in stazione. Partenza imminente per destinazione: Stazione Fine Della Corsa. Tempo incerto durante il viaggio, ma va bene così perché tanto non ci si può far niente. Popcorn caldi e croccanti serviti per tutta la durata del viaggio.”
Una volta fermatosi completamente, le portiere si aprirono con un lieve cigolio. Nessuno scese, ma salirono molte persone e in poco tempo tutti i sedili furono occupati, tranne uno in fondo al vagone, dove il nonno si accomodò e il nipote, seduto sulle sue ginocchia, si sentiva al sicuro.
Il bambino osservava con attenzione tutto ciò che lo circondava. Nel vagone, alcuni sedili erano girati in avanti ed altri indietro.
“Quali seguivano la direzione giusta?”
Si chiese per un secondo, ma immediatamente con la sua creatività e fantasia, iniziò a trasformare i viaggiatori in pedine su una scacchiera, pronte per un gioco immaginario.
C’era un uomo molto alto e grosso in piedi, all’inizio del vagone, con barba lunga e capelli scuri.
“Ecco un orco!”
Vicino a lui, una donna paffuta e con lineamenti marcati.
“Sicuramente è la signora orca.”
Al centro del vagone, una ragazza bionda con occhi c...
Next Episode
La Bottega Delle Meraviglie Vegetali (Letto in Italiano) | Storie Sotto Le Stelle Podcast | Storie Brevi Per Bambini E Giovani Di Cuore
La bottega delle meraviglie vegetali
Con l’arrivo della primavera, sotto il soffice manto della terra, i tuberi e le radici iniziarono a svegliarsi. Le carote stiracchiavano le loro punte arancioni con il ciuffo verde. Le patate rotonde e paffute sussurravano fra di loro.
“Sento il tepore del sole anche qui sotto,” disse una barbabietola tutta rossa. “Non vi sembra il momento perfetto per mostrarci al mondo?”
“Hai ragione!” rispose entusiasta una cipolla. “Basta restare qui sotto! Voglio brillare tra gli scaffali di un bel negozio.”
Così si misero in movimento verso la superficie. La terra si apriva dolcemente per far passare quelle radici allegre e decise. Una volta emerse, iniziarono a passeggiare spensierate tra gli olivi delle colline di Querceto, chiacchierando contente della loro nuova avventura.
Lungo il loro cammino, dei passerotti saltavano sui rami e, vedendo l'allegra brigata chiacchierona, subito cinguettarono: “Cip, cip, cip! Dove andate, belle verdure profumate?”
“A cercare il negozio più speciale del paese per metterci in mostra,” risposero.
Un contadino, che da tanti anni coltivava con passione e si prendeva cura della qualità dei suoi prodotti, le notò e, con delicatezza, le raccolse. Le sistemò in un cesto e le portò fino al negozio di Sesto Fiorentino, che conosceva bene per la sua attenzione ai migliori prodotti della terra.
Sull’insegna sopra la vetrina c’era scritto: LA BOTTEGA DELLE MERAVIGLIE VEGETALI.
Nelle ceste curate con amore, le carote sfoggiavano il loro arancio vivace, le patate brillavano e persino le cipolle si pavoneggiavano con le loro sfumature lucenti. Anche i ravanelli ridacchiavano e si mettevano in mostra contenti.
I clienti non potevano resistere a quello spettacolo di colori e profumi e si fermavano incantati dicendo: “Che verdure spettacolari! Questo sì che è un negozio ben fornito e di qualità.”
Le verdure erano soddisfatte di essere apprezzate e comprate — sapevano che avrebbero regalato sapori e sorrisi in ogni cucina con piatti prelibati. Ricche di gusto e nutrienti, erano felici di essere ingredienti sani e genuini per tutti, dai più piccoli ai più grandi, portando in tavola la gioia e il calore di un pasto condiviso in famiglia e con amici, secondo la tradizione italiana.
E allora, buon appetito a tutti quanti.
Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.
The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!
If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You’ll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available.
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