Page 35 of I’ll Be Home for Christmas

So she said, ‘I’m taking the train with the scenic route rather than the speedier one. The traditional route allows for more time to embrace the magnificence of the Swiss Alps.’

And that was how, just after lunch, she found herself leaving Winterbruck with her niece and boarding the Jungfraubahn – the train that would take them through the Jungfrau tunnel, which passed through the Eiger and Mönch mountains to Europe’s highest railway station and the Jungfraujoch.

The scenic route was amazing. Both of them wore enormous sunglasses pulled down most of the time to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off the pristine white ground as the train gathered speed. Meg couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so free and alive.

The train made a quick stop on the way up to their destination to allow passengers to step out into the cold and take in the endless view, the frozen alpine world they were in. Sarah read some of the information boards, but they didn’t linger long and were already talking about hot chocolates to warm themselves up.

‘The Swiss Alps are incredible.’ Sarah sat in the seat next to Meg, and as the train began to move again, she asked, ‘Do you think anyone ever climbs these mountains?’

‘Only if they’re experienced, and even then…’ Meg was in awe of the beauty around them, but she knew the dangers of rockfall and avalanche were always at the back of people’s minds, despite the breathtaking sights. Her dad had always been clued up on those things too.

Sarah looked out of the window at the rock walls. ‘Can you believe we’re actually inside a mountain right now? Wow.’

Meg had done this before but not for many years, and it felt like a whole new experience today. Perhaps it was doing this with Sarah that made the difference.

‘Mum and Dad came up here once,’ said Sarah. ‘I was too little.’

‘That’s a shame.’

‘At least I’m doing it now.’

‘Very true.’ Meg smiled. She was glad Sarah had overheard, happy to have her delightful company.

‘Since Dad died, Mum hasn’t wanted to come to Switzerland in winter. She likes Christmas at home. I think being here would remind her too much of the fun we had as a family, how much Dad loved Winterbruck, and then the day we got the news he’d died.’

‘I’m so sorry, that must’ve been awful. Especially at Christmastime.’

‘It was. But being here, the memories I have, well, they bring me comfort. Jonathan has helped too.’

‘In what way?’

‘He remembers Dad, and talking to someone else, a stranger, brings Dad a bit closer to me again in a different sort of way.’

It felt right to put an arm around her niece. Sarah wasn’t upset, but she needed a hug. Meg still had both parents; she had no idea what it must feel like to have lost her dad, and at such a young age.

The train went on its way, the incredible views continued, and when it finally came to a stop Sarah exclaimed, ‘I can’t believe we’re at the highest railway station in Europe!’ She was enthralled by the whole experience, and watching her, Meg realised so was she.

They filed through the tunnels with the rest of the crowd. It seemed never-ending. There was Swiss music, a giant snow globe, information boards in the tunnels showing events that had taken place at the Jungfraujoch. They took photographs, some of each other, some as selfies. A kind couple took a picture of them both together.

When they eventually emerged outside it was to an unforgettable view, but also a wind that felt sharp against any exposed parts of the face. Thousands of metres above sea level on the observation deck was a decorated Christmas tree which sparkled against the snowy landscape. A bird soared past, a stark blackness against the whiteness of the snow, as people admired the views, braving moments without gloves to take pictures, but not for long.

‘The air feels so different up here,’ said Sarah.

‘You feeling all right?’ It wasn’t uncommon at such high altitude to feel dizzy or get a headache.

‘I’m feeling on top of the world.’

‘I’m afraid the top of Europe will have to do.’ And then they laughed so hard they had to go back inside to breathe properly before they emerged through another door to a snowy roped-off section with warning signs not to go any further because it was too dangerous.

Already, Meg felt her breathing change, as if she’d run those few metres rather than walked. It was an odd feeling.

‘It’s so peaceful up here.’ Sarah seemed to need this day just as much as Meg.

‘Look at that.’ Meg pointed to two sections of snow. It looked like there was a massive crack between them and she felt a shudder. There would be a drop of who knew how many feet between. No wonder the warning signs were there. ‘I’m ready for a hot chocolate.’

‘Me too. But first the ice palace.’ Sarah linked her arm through Meg’s, and with her other hand pulled her neck gaiter up so that it covered her mouth.

Meg groaned but they huddled together for warmth and made their way to the palace to see the ice carvings until at last it was time for their reward.