For many years now, James and Percy have been close friends. They liked to do things together, as friends often do, and of course, they had their quarrels form time to time. Amongst this was when Percy tried to act like James. Of sometimes the red engine would get cross and tell Percy to stop it.
One day in autumn, James was odered by Sir Topham Hatt to work in the Coaling Plant.
"Shall I go and work with him sir?" Asked Percy politely.
"No no, James will manage quite fine." assured the Fat Controller "Besides today's your day off remember?"
Percy watched as the Fat Controller drove away and sighed. He wished he could go and work with James.
...well, maybe he didn't have work with James, but he could still be nearby!
With a small giggle, he creeped out from the sheds.
...
James sighed as he shunted some trucks in the Coaling Plant and filled them up with coal. This was high on his mental list of "places where James does not like to work due to his paintwork getting ruined easily."
However, at least it was quiet now. Sort of.
Suddenly a small green tank engine shot out from behind some empty trucks.
"Hello James!" He peeped
James yelped and biffed the trucks he'd been shunting too far.
"Percy!" he huffed crossly "What were you thinking coming at me like that!"
Percy felt guilty
"Sorry James..."
"Pah!" Snorted the red engine. "Go and talk to someone else!"
But Percy didn't. He followed James around the coaling plant instead!
He did it quietly so his friend never bade him any heed.
However, when Arry and Bert slunk about they raised the issue in a horrid manner. Of course aftr James told them to leave he got cross with Percy.
"Percy! I told you to find someone else to talk to! Get lost!"
Poor Percy felt very hurt, and puffed sadly away.
Meanwhile Thomas was returning some trucks to the Coaling Plant when he saw Percy head off away from the plant.
"Hello Percy!" Thomas peeped cheerfully.
"Hello Thomas." Replied his best friend sadly.
"What's wrong Percy? You're looking decidedly gloomy."
Percy explained about what had happened in the coaling plant.
"Well, James just wanted separation from you Percy, that's all." Thomas explained.
"What does separation mean?" Percy inquired.
Thomas paused to phrase everything carefully before he said a word, in order to avoid confusion and heartbreak.
"It just means that when two friends have been together and then they might want to be on their own or chat with other friends for a while, but the two friends are always happy when they next see each other."
"That makes sense." Replied Percy.
"So James will be happy to see you the next time you both meet -as you will be at seeing him."
Percy considered it a moment. Then he smiled.
"I'm looking forward to seeing James again!" He said eagerly. "But I can wait."
"Good," smiled Thomas. "Here, once I put these trucks away, do you want me to wait with you?" He offered.
"Yes please Thomas!" Replied the little green engine.
"Alright then! I won't be long." Thomas promised- and soon he set off for the Coaling Plant.
Whilst Percy waited patiently behind.