It was Thanksgiving in the Big Harbour, and the Dispatcher announced that it was nearly time for the annual Big Harbour Thanksgiving parade.
"This year, he added this will be dedicated to Leland, to mark his first year here in the Big Harbour." He announced.
The tugs cheered happily.
Leland beamed joyfully,
"Thank you!" he said. He felt very proud to be the centre of attention for the parade.
...
Later, Theodore and Leland were talking about the parade.
"Aren't you excited Leland?" Theodore asked.
"Yes." Smiled Leland. "This is huge for me Theodore- I've never had a parade mark any of my achievements before."
Just then Hank zipped out of nowhere.
"Excuse me, coming through!"
He suddenly ran smack bang into Theodore, who was sent flying backwards and then spun round 180 degrees before stopping. He looked rather green.
Leland felt very guilty that he had distracted Theodore- if he hadn't this might not have happened.
"I... I don't want to be in the parade anymore!" He said, before steaming away as fast as he could- which was not very fast, but Theodore and Hank were still dazed from what had just happened.
...
When the two recovered, they immediately told the other tugs.
"Poor Leland!" Emily said, sympathetically.
"Yes- this was meant to be a grand day for him." Foduck added.
"But now he wouldn't attend the parade." Hank said. "We must do something."
They all agreed that immediate action was necessary- but what?
...
In the end, they agreed talking to Leland was best.
"After all," said Theodore "He only didn't want to get involved in the parade because he thinks he caused that accident with Hank and me."
They found Leland talking to Benjamin B. Bridge.
"Does it look like I care?" He asked rudely.
Leland was very upset at the bridge's discourteous behaviour.
"Leland!" Called Theodore. "We need to talk to you!"
"What?" Leland asked miserably.
"Why don't you want to attend the parade?" Emily asked gently.
"I caused an accident between Hank and Theodore earlier. I distracted them from their surroundings and each other."
"It wasn't your fault Leland." Theodore told him. "You weren't accountable for what happened before."
"Yeah- I should have been more careful before." Hank added.
"Besides," Foduck added. "They told us that neither of them got hurt, so you're not being held responsible for the accident."
"Are you sure?" Leland asked.
"Of course we're sure!" George huffed. "Now come on- we all have a parade to get ready for!"
This made the tugs cheer.
...
Later, when the parade was held, it was a grand success. Leland, thanks to his friends learned that he cannot hold himself responsible for everything that goes wrong, but there are times that that are necessary.
Today's incident hadn't been though- and he was glad.