Another original Thomas story, this time it's "Separation" Enjoy and comment.

It was a beautiful spring day on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were working hard, taking passengers all across the island.

At Tidmouth Sheds, Sir Topham Hatt came to see Percy and James.

"Percy, you can have the day off because you've worked so hard this week." said Sir Topham Hatt.

"Thank you sir!" exclaimed Percy.

Then, he turned to James.

"James, you are going to take trucks of hay to Farmer McCoil's field."

Sir Topham Hatt then left.

Percy didn't like the fact that James's would be leaving him for the day."

"Can I help?" he asked.

"No!" boasted James. "This is my job. Sir Topham Hatt gave you the day off."

"Why?"

"Because you've been useful all week. All I've been doing is shunting in the yard. Today is my first full job in weeks!"

Then James puffed off.

Percy felt lonely, until an idea flew into his funnel.

"I'll follow James in case he crashes, then when he does, I'll be useful than ever before!
Then Percy puffed away.

Percy puffed through the countryside, looking for James.

"Where could he be?" he wondered.

He then spotted James at the hay-yard, where workmen were loading hay into James's freight cars.

"Hello James!" whistled Percy.

"What are you doing here?" asked James. "Aren't you supposed to have the day off?"

"But I'm lonely."

"Please go home." said James nicely as he puffed away.

But Percy didn't listen. When James was nearly out of sight, he puffed slowly, so that James's wouldn't see or hear him.

James had arrived at Farmer's McCoil's field with the hay.

"Thanks for being so useful James." said Farmer McCoil.

But just then, Percy puffed up.

"Hello Percy!" said Farmer McCoil.

James was cross.

"Why are you still following me?" he asked

"Because I'm lonely. Even though it's my day off, I really wanted some company. So that's why I've been following you."

"Why don't you go home and rest?" suggested Farmer McCoil.

Percy sadly puffed back home.

That night, James puffed back into the shed.

"You know what Percy?"

"What?"

"I guess we learned a lesson today. Sometimes we just need time away from each other, no matter how much we miss them."

And Percy and James both agreed.