I know that this is a ridiculously short story. I really do. And I also know that it isn't even St. Patrick's Day. I've always liked the holiday though (it's a reasonable excuse to wear solid green and not be frowned upon, if I want to do that) and I figured I'd write something fun about it. Plus, I've had writer's block on my main story for ages. So, here goes!


"What're you smiling at, Percy?" James asked. It was late at night, and most of the engines were returning to the sheds.

"When I was stopped with the mail train, a little boy standing on the platform said I'm a lucky engine because I'm painted green. Driver told me I'm a lucky engine today, too. If I'm lucky, does that mean I get to make a wish?" Percy wondered.

"Don't be silly, Percy. Being painted green doesn't make you lucky. It's just St. Patrick's Day, remember? People go around looking for things like Leprechauns and pots of gold and wearing green to feel lucky," Gordon grumbled.

Percy's face fell. "Does that mean I don't get a wish?" James scoffed.

"Don't listen to them, Percy: they're just jealous that they're not lucky engines like we are," Henry pulled into the space between Percy and James. "Of course, green is the most splendid color an engine can be painted. Isn't that right?" He chuckled.

James scowled. "Of course not! My red paint looks better any day! And at least I don't have to run into tunnels to keep it looking nice."

"Yes, you're right, James. Red paint does look quite nice under something like…tar. Doesn't it?" Percy snickered.

"Hm…but green can't be a lucky color, just look at all the accidents Henry has had pulling the Flying Kipper!" Gordon teased.

"But accidents happen to anyone! Neither of us ever ran through a station wall! I think green is a lucky color!" Percy said excitedly.

"Maybe so, but it wasn't so lucky for Smudger, was it?" Edward began. "The question is…is it the color green that makes you lucky? Or being Irish?" None of the engines knew how to answer.

"Maybe it's both," said Thomas. "But none of us are Irish, and we all have bad luck sometimes. Who knows?"