"The Way Up to Heaven" is a short story written by Roald Dahl, a British author known for his imaginative and often darkly humorous tales for children and adults. The story was first published in 1954 as part of Dahl's collection titled "Someone Like You."
The story revolves around a woman named Mrs. Foster who is married to a man named Mr. Foster. Mrs. Foster is portrayed as a timid and anxious character who has a fear of being late. Mr. Foster, on the other hand, seems to delight in testing her patience by being deliberately slow and causing delays.
The central conflict of the story arises when Mrs. Foster is set to embark on a trip to Paris to visit her daughter. She is anxious about missing her flight and pleads with her husband to hurry so they can reach the airport on time. However, Mr. Foster's deliberate stalling tactics cause her increasing distress.
As the story unfolds, readers are kept in suspense about whether Mrs. Foster will make it to the airport in time for her flight. The conclusion of the story reveals a surprising twist that plays on the theme of delayed gratification and the tension between the characters.
Roald Dahl's writing in "The Way Up to Heaven" is characterized by his trademark dark humor and his ability to create tension and anticipation. The story is relatively short but effectively delivers a twist ending that leaves readers both entertained and a bit unsettled.