Excitement was arising on the Island of Sodor. It was nearly time for the annual fireworks display.
The Fat Controller had selected Edward to take the fireworks this year.
"You are to pick the vans up from the Depot and take them to Knapford." He told him.
The old engine beamed. "Yes sir!" He exclaimed happily.
"That's a good engine. Now hurry along, Thomas will be shunting the last of those vans now!"
Edward whistled, and then set off for the Depot.
...
Later, the Fat Controller was waiting at Platform 1 at Knapford Station.
His gold pocket watch shone and gleamed in the station's overhead light, showing every little scratch and dust.
"Where is Edward? He should be here by now!"
"Indeed! His lateness is most inexcusable!" His mother Dowager Hatt added.
Stephen and Bridget Hatt were waiting further down with their grandmother and The Fat Controller's wife, Lady Hatt.
"There's Edward!" Stephen exclaimed.
"Hooray!" His little sister cheered.
Sure enough Edward drew into Knapford. He was rather tired and he knew that he was late.
"I'm sorry I'm late sir." He managed politely as possible, cutting off his yawns.
"Edward, you are nearly an hour late. There had better be a decent explanation for this." The Fat Controller replied.
"It's just I am getting old sir, and I know everyone does this, but that sometimes makes me feel... well useless whenever I let others down. In my opinion sir, I am of great age and little strength. If only I were the other way around then I'd be-
The Fat Controller chuckled. "Edward, I know you're getting old, but you are still Really Useful to me, no matter you age or strength." He said. "Besides." he added. "It's very unlikely I'll get my youth back- I'm a grandfather and have been since Stephen was born!"
"I suppose you're right sir." The old engine responded respectfully and he smiled as he heard the chains of the couplings between himself and his trucks clang.
He felt a great burden being lifted from his buffers.