"You did what, Luke?! Dude, you need some serious help."
"Hey, hey, don't be so mean, honey." A small muddy red tractor scolded, before turning to a sniffling Luke, who was dangling on the end of a break down crane. "He may not have said it in the most polite manner, but he does have a point, sweetheart." She pointed out sympathetically. "You really should see someone."
"But… I don't know what else to do." Luke sighed shakily through his quiet sobs.
"Well, maybe its best you don't know," Decided Jessica.
"Are you crazy, you cold hearted cow? My friend nearly killed himself and you think not knowing what to do is best?!"
"Have patience, boy!" Snapped Jessica furiously, giving Smudger the most acidic look he ever recollected being given since his troublesome days on the Mid Sodor from…well, everyone, really- Duke in particular. "What I mean, little one, is that you attempted to take your life cos you thought it would solve your problems." She said softly.
"Well, yes. I don't even want to die- I just feel it's a bit better than dying inside every single moment of every day." The green Kerr Stuart answered, gazing down at her with the childish curiosity he possessed.
"Now, I don't want to sound cliché, but your friends can really help you."
"How is that so? I just feel that I'm being a burden to them." The little Wren breathed.
"Hmm, they wouldn't think so. Besides, my dear boy, you would be surprised of how compassion works. It doesn't come naturally to everyone, but to those that have mastered it becomes more than a talent- it is a balm for the wounded, an anchor for the lost– or perhaps even the difference between life and death." The little tractor said.
"Hmm, that's actually…wise." Smudger cut in, before Luke could emerge from his thoughts quickly enough.
"Ha, boy- that's the smartest thing you've said to me since we've met!" She crowed. "Take hark of my words, boy- you may have got a grain of intelligence in that funnel of yours!"
"Is she always like this?" Luke whispered to Smudger.
"Yeah, but she's not bad." The dark green engine answered. "She's acidic a lot of the time. But she's soft for anyone with the right face- you fit the bill perfectly."
Luke looked uncertain about this, but he decided to let Jessica remain in his good books just now- she was, after all, nice, really, and down to earth- plus she had helped him out of the lake and back to the line.
"You take care of him now, Smudge." She told him, eyes gleaming dangerously. "I don't want this poor lamb to come to harm."
"Alright, Mother Jess- I'll look after him," Smudger replied, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance at her nagging.
"Good. I hope things improve, little one." She added, to Luke this time.
"Thank you, Miss Jessica- and thank you for pulling me out of the mud." He said, politely.
Jessica stopped, and Luke could have sworn that her face was redder than her paintwork- heck, even redder than Skarloey's and hers combined!
"Don't mention it, child- but there isn't any need for the miss- I'm just a farm tractor."