Another original Thomas story, this time it's a short story about the engines learning about Mr Perkins death. Enjoy and comment.
DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF
Ben Forester
AKA: Mr Perkins
1958-2017
RIP: May God bless and love you in Heaven
One afternoon, Thomas was puffing along his branch line with Annie and Clarabel, when he saw Percy.
Percy looked concerned.
"What's the matter Percy?" asked Thomas.
"Sir Topham Hatt is ordering all the engines to report to Tidmouth Sheds at 6 o'clock for a major announcement." said Percy.
Thomas was confused and concerned. What could the major announcement be?
When Thomas arrived back at Tidmouth Sheds at 6 o'clock, all the engines, diesels, Bertie the Bus, the Pack, and several people were waiting for Sir Topham Hatt.
Television crews from the BBC, ITV, Sky News, CNN, and various other news sources were there too.
Finally, Sir Topham Hatt arrived, along with Dowager Hatt, Lady Hatt, and their children.
The people politely clapped, and the engines tooted.
Then, Sir Topham Hatt began to speak.
"Ladies and gentleman, and to everybody who works on my railway, I inform all of you with deep grief, that Mr Gilbert Perkins, who was one of our beloved drivers here on my railway, and a helper to all, passed away following a battle with cancer."
The engines were surprised to hear about this, and several people began crying silently.
Sir Topham Hatt continued, trying to hold his emotion.
"In 2010, Mr Perkins joined my railway, having worked prior in the London subway system. He was the driver for many of my engines, and also worked as one of my assistants. He was kind, helpful, and most of all, really useful."
Thomas was trying not to cry, but he was already shedding tears, and his driver and fireman were crying buckets.
"While we didn't know about Mr Perkins illness until his death, he always came to work with a smile on his face. He was beloved by all here on Sodor, and leaves behind a wonderful wife of 27 years."
By now, all the engines were showing emotion. James and Percy, plus their drivers and firemen, were crying.
Even Diesel, who Mr Perkins had driven before, was crying.
Thomas was still trying his hardest not to cry, as his driver and fireman began comforting him.
"Mr Perkins was a friend to all, and will be deeply missed. At this time, we will have a moment of silence in memory of Mr Perkins, followed by a 21-gun salute, and "God Save the Queen"
The moment of silence followed, then, after the 21-gun salute, "God Save the Queen" played over the loudspeakers at Tidmouth Sheds.
Sir Topham Hatt left crying in his blue car, with his entire family following, also in tears.
The engines and diesels all were crying tears, along with all the drivers and firemen.
Thomas still was trying to hold back tears, but finally ended up crying with the rest of the engines.
Everyone would miss Mr Perkins, very very much, but would respect his replacement with pride, just like they did to Mr Perkins.