James groaned a little.

He was burning up- and not from his firebox either.

He had a fever, and cramps and pain slithered through his boiler. To tell the truth, James had been competing with Thomas lately.

He wanted to rest and not compete for a while, but Thomas wanted to do another one, and see if maybe this time no one will discover lost towns or anything of the like.

James had one problem though- he didn't want to tell Thomas that he was ill.

"James, are you alright? You look awful."

"I do not!" hissed James But his steam hissed alarmingly, making Thomas jump back in fright.

"Sorry Thomas- wasn't meant to scare you. The railway's number five grimaced.

"Really- I thought you wanted rid of me James!" Teased Thomas. "It's alright though-I forgive you."

James grinned and then groaned loudly as a massive pain overwhelmed his boiler.

"Seriously, you can tell me. We're friends, remember?"

But James didn't want to tell his friend.

The red engine continued to cling on stubbornly to his pride.

...

"You look a bit...off to me." Thomas puffed, "Your face is redder than your paint!"

James knew then that he couldn't hide the truth. If he didn't surrender now, Thomas would weasel it out of him.

"Alright- I'm ill. I have a fever, and my boiler's cramping. I think's it due to that competing."

"Sorry James- I never intended for you to get ill."

"It's fine." Replied James.

"So do you want me to push you to the Steamworks?" Offered the blue tank engine.

"Yes please." Was the response.

"Alright then."

So as the two friends set off James learned that if you speak to others, especially your friends, you'll be more likely to get understanding from them about your setbacks, and that they'll help you through it all.