One morning, James was waking up at Tidmouth Sheds when the Fat Controller arrived.
"James," he said. "I have a very important job for you- you need to go to the Other Railway and pick up some Welsh coal for Henry."
He went back to his car and drove away. The other engines were still asleep as it was still early for them to wake up. Henry was already out, no doubt struggling with the Flying Kipper due to the bad coal he had.
But that didn't stop James fuming about his given ordeal.
"I don't want to go to the Other Railway!" He hissed. "Steam engines get scrapped there!"
"But the coal is important to Henry." His fireman replied. "Just think of how you'd feel if you couldn't work properly."
"I still don't see why the Fat Controller bought all that Welsh coal for just one engine." He muttered.
"Henry didn't ask to be ill James! Sir Topham Hatt is giving Henry another chance to be Really Useful. That's all that poor engine wants! Don't you think Henry deserves another chance?" His driver snapped, irritated by his engine's selfishness.
James thought about this. His driver and fireman were right- Henry didn't ask to be ill, but he was still determined to be Really Useful.
James began to feel remorseful for what he had said. He now felt like he had been selfish.
Well, not anymore.
"Shall we go then?" He asked meekly.
His trip wasn't great, but when he saw Henry smiling merrier than a devil's fool after he was given some special coal, James felt that what he'd done was worth it.