A few months had gone by for the Island of Sodor, and there had been a very crisp and hot summer that included a spectacular funfair at Tidmouth Town Square. Emily had worried about not having a best friend of her very own among all the other friends she had, and after landing in a tricky situation that led to her naming Philip, Marion, Henry and Edward all her best friend, she wound up forgetting to take the last load of sand for the sand sculpture. Luckily, Thomas and Percy had begun to suspect that Emily was troubled over the subject of best friends and Thomas had brought the sand for her, ensuring that the whole carnival was a big success.
But what was much more important was the revelation that Emily had managed to come to in the end. She had realized she was surrounded by wonderful friends of many different qualities ever since she first came to Sodor, and came to a consistent conclusion for the engines who had helped her and interacted with her that day. Thomas was her cobalt star and husband figure, Percy was her adorable son figure, Philip, Edward, Henry and Marion were all her good friends, Donald and Douglas were her loyal brother figures...and most important of all, when Emily paid her visit to Arlesburgh, she came to find out that her true best friend was none other than David Rider. Her brave, diligent and dedicated captain and navy mentor. David was truly proud to have this fact come to be between him and his engine, and when Thomas and the other engines found out, they were all immensely happy for Emily. Especially Thomas, and so and he, Emily, Percy, and all their friends were indeed very happy all throughout the summer.
Now, autumn had just begun on Sodor again. The trees had now turned from lush, deep green to golden reds and browns. The weather was still fairly warm until the cooler days would come along...and for Thomas and Emily, there was a little experience to be had with a particular sort of companion that neither engine had ever partook in together before, but would indeed prove to be interesting and adorable.
It all started one bright morning. The engines woke up and were set to start another day. Gordon and James were due for passengers throughout the day, Nia and Rebecca were set for goods trains throughout the day, Percy was back on the mail run again, Thomas had passengers on his Branch Line to look after, as well as a few goods runs, and Emily had a few passenger runs herself throughout the day. She and Thomas waited while the other engines left the sheds, then they smiled to each other.
"Well, good morning, Emily. Another autumn has come along," said Thomas. "I wonder how it will start out this year."
"Well, Thomas, I have a feeling this autumn will be a fun one," said Emily. "I've had such a fun summer! After finding my true best friend in David, I can only wonder what will come along next, and for which engine?"
"Well, I'm so very happy you found your own best friend, Emily," said Thomas. "You have your handsome cobalt star, and your Navy best friend."
"I know, Thomas," said Emily. "Well, I suppose we'd better start our day. Have a lovely day, Thomas."
"You have a lovely day too, Emily," said Thomas. "I'll see you later."
Emily blew a kiss to Thomas and steamed onto the turntable and set off on her way. Thomas watched with a longing smile as he saw her graceful, beautiful form steam beauteously away until he was ready to collect Annie and Clarabel and start from Knapford Station. But what Thomas, Emily and a few other engines didn't yet know was just who else would be at the station...and what it would bring about for Thomas and even Emily. There was quite an unusual but fuzzy day ahead in the hours to come.
At Knapford Station, Gordon was at Platform 1 as the passengers began to arrive. He was beaming with pride as he waited to be on his way. Then Thomas came along with Annie and Clarabel and whistled to Gordon.
"Morning, Gordon," Thomas greeted.
Gordon opened his mouth to answer...but as he did, a strange, bark-like sound split the air. This made Thomas wonder what was going on.
"Uhh..." Gordon uttered with perplexity.
"Are you okay?" Thomas asked.
Gordon tried to speak again, but as he did, another bark sounded through the station. Then another. Gordon groaned indignantly just as James whistled in with his shining red coaches, having heard what was going on just now.
"Something wrong with your voice, Gordon?" James teased. "It certainly sounds a little 'ruff'!"
James and Thomas laughed while Gordon glowered unimpressively. Then Nia came backing up to her sorted goods train. On the platform beside her, there were three crates piled together. Then what Nia said next puzzled Thomas and took Gordon by a little affront.
"Ohh, hello. What's a little thing like you doing here?" Nia asked.
"Huh! I'm not a thing, Nia!" Gordon stated. "I'm here to pull thee express. And I'm certainly NOT little!"
"Oh. I wasn't talking to you, Gordon. I was talking to the dog," said Nia.
"Dog? What dog?" Thomas suddenly thought to himself.
And then, with another bark from behind the crates, out hopped a dog, just as Nia said. She loved all animals, including pets like cats and dogs alike. This dog looked rather like a beagle or a hound-dog, and it had no owner or home as it had been prowling the outdoors for an unknown period of time, trying to make its own way outside. Nia watched as the dog suddenly caught sight of a bird, and crouched into position to charge. As the bird flew back the other way, the dog barked and scampered after the bird. Thomas caught sight of the dog and exclaimed innocently to how it looked. Such a fast, exuberant dog it was too. Thomas watched as it scampered and hopped over the rails, and right onto James' line, blocking his way and making James stop. James had a little experience with Farmer McColl's farm dog Katie and liked her well enough, but this dog did not play to his liking very well.
"Get away from me! Go back home! Shoo! Shoo!" James ordered. But the dog didn't move. It just sat right down on the rails, panting away.
"It must be lost. Poor thing," said Nia. "And look, it doesn't have a collar so it could be a stray."
"You mean it hasn't got a home?" Thomas asked. Nia nodded in turn.
"Oh...that's not good," Thomas continued. "Hmm...maybe we could do something to help him find a home..."
Then suddenly, James spoke up again. "Oh...oh! What's it doing?"
The other engines watched what happened next, for the dog suddenly stood up again and walked slowly toward James, right beside him...and his wheels. Then, quite by awkward surprise to Gordon, Thomas and Nia...and a rather humiliating and derogatory surprise for James...that dog left a certain gift on James' wheels.
"No, no, NOO! Ohh...not on my shiny wheels!"
As the dog ran off and disappeared out of the station, Thomas heard what James had just said...and suddenly remembered just what happened between him and Emily after their fragrant bath together...and just what he had brought about for her. With a brief, but considerably naughty wave of humour, he chortled and complimented James' words in a perfectly imperfect manner.
"They're certainly shiny now, James!" Thomas chortled cheekily.
"Well, it CAN'T live here! A railway is no place for a dog!" And James whistled away.
"O-o-ohh...the In...dignity!" Gordon shuddered to James' little result.
"Oh, well," said Nia. "It's what all dogs do. They go wherever they will...and in a few unusual ways too."
"Well, I think that dog is adorable," said Thomas. "I do hope someone can help him...and if he's wondering about the railway...what if Emily sees him?"
"Well, you'll just have to find out throughout today, Thomas," said Nia. "And I too hope that dog can be helped."
At that moment, Thomas' guards whistle blew and he was off with Annie and Clarabel. But he still thought about that dog...and it made him begin to wonder what Emily would be doing if she saw it too. Thomas wasn't sure yet, but he began to wonder if something would happen today between him, the dog...and Emily too, and so he kept these thoughts at the back of his smokebox as he started his Branch Line run.
Meanwhile at Dryaw Station, Emily was looking after her passengers and resting at the platform...and in her cab was David. He didn't have to work until later that afternoon and had hitched a ride with Emily so as to humour her in light of declaring each other best friends that past summer. Emily was having a lovely and peaceful day with her best friend.
"A fine first day of autumn, isn't it, Emily?" said David.
"Mmm. Yes, David," said Emily. "And it's so nice to have you along with me this morning. I just wonder what Thomas and I will be doing today once we're finished our work. I have a feeling this autumn will be fun. After seeing that we're both best friends this past summer, what could come next?"
David almost answered, when suddenly, they heard barking in the distance.
"Huh? What's that?" Emily asked curiously. "Is that a dog?"
David had been enjoying his ride with Emily, but when he heard the barking, he suddenly felt different and a little uncertain. He held onto his silver charm as the barking came closer and closer. Then from the corner of Emily's eye, she suddenly saw a quick-moving, exuberant-looking dog running through the field until it pranced up to the platform with another bark and sat right down, looking at Emily and panting away. Emily suddenly felt a sense of pleasantry weave in her boiler. She took a fair liking to dogs whenever she saw them, and she knew Katie too, and she took a fair liking to this dog too.
"Oh! Hello there, doggy," said Emily. "You're a fine-looking dog. What are you doing here? And...oh! You have no collar! Are you lost, little doggy?"
The dog looked at Emily, turned its head to one side, then gave a little whine before it barked again. Emily wondered a little more about this dog as David slowly came out of her cab and came a little closer, right alongside Emily.
"Look, David. It's got no collar," said Emily. "That must mean it's lost and has no home."
"So it would seem," said David. "You seem to like him, Emily."
"Well, I like dogs fairly well, David," said Emily. "I think they're funny, faithful and friendly pets...which reminds me. I've never asked you, David, but in this given moment, I'd like to know...what do you think of dogs?"
But when Emily looked to David, he wasn't smiling like she was. The reason was a fair one for David's opinion. Everyone on Sodor really liked dogs as pets, along with cats, but it so happened that David was in the odd number of people who weren't exactly dog people.
"Hmm...I'm not so sure about dogs, Emily," said David. "I know many people love them, as the saying 'Man's Best Friend,' goes, but I myself am not exactly a dog person."
"Oh? Why not, David?" Emily asked, lightly surprised by his answer. "They're faithful companions and they're signature pets around the world."
"No doubt," said David. "But they can be most rowdy pets too. Especially raising them as puppies. If they're well trained, of course they're faithful and strong companions, but if people don't know how to manage dogs, they're often loud, barking away when you're just trying to get things done. They can be destructive and run all over the house, chewing the furniture, tearing up clothes and rugs...and the most hassling thing about them, at least in my opinion...is that they just go wherever they will...and I do mean go, if you know what I mean."
"Hmm...I do know, David," said Emily with a little sigh. "Dogs are a huge responsibility. But I find dogs to be fun pets myself. Think of Katie, Farmer McColl's dog. Isn't she a fine example? Fast, decisive and loyal to Farmer McColl?"
"Indeed she is, Emily. A faithful sheepdog, perfect for herding sheep," said David. "Now let me clarify, Emily. I don't dislike dogs. I respect them at the very least. I'm just not a dog person when it comes to owning one. Although, I do have a personal admiration for collies. I'm fluent in the all-around famous dog stories like 'Lassie Come Home,' and 'Old Yeller,' and one of the most famous pieces of canine history...the Herculean efforts of a Siberian Husky named Balto."
Emily was suddenly a little intrigued.
"Balto? I've heard the odd mention of Lassie...and that's what Donald and Douglas call me. But Balto? Herculean efforts? What do you mean, David?"
"Well, to tell you quickly, but accurately, Emily...Balto was a North American Legend in the canine family. In 1925, there was an outbreak in Alaska of a sickness called diphtheria that attacked people's throats and lungs. To treat the disease, there was a medical serum that was developed in Anchorage, Alaska, which was transported by train to Nenana. And for the rest of the way to Nome, that serum was transferred by dog sled. A team which Balto led as the head dog, all the way to Nome where he delivered that serum those people needed so badly. Ever since then, people all through North America and other parts of the world too have come to respect his memory and learn of his great deed, pitting his own flesh and blood against the frigid cold and ice-freezing winds of the northerly, tundra-covered stretches of Alaska. For dogs everywhere, he is a towering example of leadership and determination...much like you and I on our big adventure through England and Scotland."
"Wow...Goodness!" Emily gasped. "That sounds amazing, David...but what about this fuzzy little"
David looked back to the dog right there in front of him and Emily.
"Hmm," said David. "He needs help indeed, but...Lassie, Old Yeller and Balto, you are not, my fuzzy acquaintance."
And he walked back to Emily's cab. Emily sighed and returned her gaze to the dog, starting to feel sorry for him that he didn't have a home. Then just a minute or two later, the Fat Controller came out of the station office, looking over his timetable and walking slowly alongside Emily...until he was taken by quite a surprise.
"Look out, sir!" Emily yelped suddenly. David jumped from inside her cab and looked to the platform again.
"Oh! Emily! What is it?" the Fat Controller jumped.
"You almost tripped over that dog."
"Oh. Hello," the Fat Controller greeted. "Where did you come from?"
Unlike David's less than indulging approach, the dog was quite pleased to see a human companion that seemed to like him. It jumped right up and started licking the Fat Controller's face until he laughingly managed to get the dog back down on all fours.
"Maybe it's lost, sir and it's looking for its home," said Emily.
"Well, it can't live here. The railway is no place for a dog. I know. I'll a Dog Warden straight away. He'll take care of it."
The dog had been rolling on its back for a moment...until it heard the mention of the dog warden. Before the Fat Controller could make another move, the dog barked with alarm and darted away like an arrow. It hopped off the platform, scurried across the rails, jumped up the other side, and hopped right over the fence, then was gone. Emily's eyes followed the dog the whole way until it was out of sight.
"I don't think it liked that idea," she observed to the Fat Controller.
"I agree with Emily," said David as he came out of her cab again.
"Oh! David. You were here too?" the Fat Controller asked.
"Yes, sir," said David. "Emily and I saw the dog come along...and it might be a little surprise to you, but I don't particularly like dogs...at least when it comes to owning them."
"Oh. Well, no one likes the same things," said the Fat Controller. "And you're right, Emily. Perhaps it didn't like that idea. Otherwise he wouldn't have run off. Well, someone is bound to find him and do something sooner or later."
And the Fat Controller went back inside the station. Emily looked back out to where the dog had run off and began to hum and think.
"What is it, Emily?" David asked.
"Hmm...I'm suddenly wondering, David," said Emily. "If that dog keeps running about the railway...I wonder what Thomas would think if he could see that dog. I wonder if he'd try and help it if he could...but could he look after a dog?"
"Well, Thomas is a very resourceful engine, Emily," said David. "If he can, I'm sure he can help that dog find a way to a family and home. But in the meantime, we'd best get moving again. Your passengers rely on you."
"Of course, David," said Emily.
As soon as David returned to her cab, her guards whistle blew again and she was off down the line with David again. But now Emily was thinking more and more about that dog. Would she see him again...and what would Thomas do if he saw it? Emily began to feel like something would happen. Whatever would happen, she was certain it would certainly be a fuzzy experience at the very least. And so she whistled along the line and kept on with her day...
Thomas, meanwhile was busy with his Branch Line run, simply enjoying another day on the line. He was still having little flickers off thought about that dog and what could be done to help him. He liked dogs quite well too, and would be very happy to see that dog find a home if it could. Then suddenly, Thomas heard the bark again. He looked and saw it dart out of the field and start running along the line.
"Oh, no!"
Thomas braked steadily and came to a stop as the dog gave one more jump, then turned around to Thomas.
"What are you doing?" Thomas asked. "You can't be running about the tracks! They're far too dangerous!"
But even as Thomas spoke, he couldn't help but be taken right in by the dog's big, brown and expressive eyes as it turned its head from side to side and started wagging its tail.
"Ohh...look! I think it likes me!" Thomas chortled. Then he suddenly got an idea. "Do you want a ride?"
Right away, the dog barked happily and darted over to Thomas' cab, then hopped right in.
"What are you doing, Thomas? Engines can't have pets!" Annie stated indignantly.
"Dogs are a big responsibility!" Clarabel added.
"Don't be silly, you two," Thomas chuckled as he set off again. "I know I can't look after a dog, but at least I can help to find its home...and besides, I've looked after a dog before. Remember when Dowager Hatt came to visit us for the first time and I rode her Dalmatian 'Gremlin,' all the way to the docks?"
"That was just a ride, Thomas," said Annie. "And Gremlin was owned especially by Dowager Hatt."
"Indeed, Thomas. He wasn't a stray running all about the railway," said Clarabel.
"Well...we'll see what we can to for this fuzzy friend, okay?" said Thomas.
And so for a fair while more, Thomas rode his fuzzy friend in his cab. Much like Gremlin, this dog seemed to enjoy the ride, letting the breeze flap his eyes while he took in all the smells of the open air. Then Thomas heard Bertie honk along the road. Thomas thought that maybe he could help.
"Bertie! Do you know anyone who's lost a dog?"
Bertie looked and saw the dog in Thomas' cab, but he hadn't heard of anyone who had lost a dog.
"Uh...No. Sorry, Thomas," he replied.
"Hurry along now, Thomas," said Annie.
Thomas knew he needed to focus on his jobs, but he really wanted to help his new fuzzy friend.
"Thomas," said his driver. "I think I have an idea. "What say we take a photograph of this dog and make some 'Lost Dog,' notices at a few places, so people might take notice and inquire to taking the dog in as a pet? We'll start at Kellsthorpe Road where your goods will be waiting."
"Oh, yes! That might work," said Thomas. "Don't worry, doggy. We'll help you."
And so, Thomas kept the dog riding in his cab. After he finished his passenger run and returned Annie and Clarabel to Knapford, he then went to Kellsthorpe Road to pick up his goods train. His fireman went inside the station and told the stationmaster about the dog and Thomas' little plan. The stationmaster had a photograph taken of the dog right away, and in within fifteen minutes, Thomas' fireman came out of the station with several copies of 'Lost Dog,' notices to place throughout the railway. He then placed one right on the station wall and Thomas was ready to set off. He pulled away with the dog licking his driver, and they were soon on their way back along the Main Line. Over the next hour, at each station Thomas stopped at to pick up and set down trucks, his fireman left a notice poser for the dog at Cronk, Maron, Wellsworth and Crosby.
But as Thomas pulled out of Crosby, he looked at the notice poster again and he noticed that the poster had a heart at the bottom...and that heart made him start thinking of Emily again...and if she could meet his fuzzy friend.
"Oh...goodness, I almost forgot, doggy," said Thomas. "You also have to meet Emily sometime. You'd really love her, I'm sure..."
Meanwhile, Emily had made her way back Knapford Station with her passengers while David left to get onboard Bertie and return to Arlesburgh to work through the afternoon. She left her coaches in a siding and set off for Tidmouth Sheds to turn around again. She had enjoyed her day so far, but she continued to think about that dog she saw at Dryaw and if it would be helped or not...and she wondered if Thomas had found him or not. And speaking of Thomas, when Emily got to the turntable and turned herself around, she suddenly noticed that back at Knapford, he had not come back yet. She was expecting he'd be back by now after his goods run, but there was no sign of him.
"Hmm...I wonder where Thomas could be," Emily said aloud to herself as she turned right around.
"Well, like you've been wondering, Emily," said her driver. "Maybe he found the dog and is trying to help it find a home."
"Hmm. Maybe, but we don't know," said Emily. "I just hope that dog wouldn't be too out of control for him. I still feel like something might happen surrounding that dog, but I don't know what..."
By this time, Thomas had delivered all his goods and passed right through Knapford Station and back up the other line toward Knapford Beach to put up the last few notice posters for the dog. But not five minutes after he passed through Knapford, Emily came back, facing the other way. She and Thomas had just missed each other, and they didn't even know it yet. Then just a few minutes later, Emily saw a workman and a little boy arrive at the platform. Emily felt as though she vaguely knew this workmen.
"Albert? Is that you?" she asked.
"Ah. Hello, Emily," said Albert. "Yes, it's me. Little Thomas here is excited to see...well, Big Thomas."
Emily suddenly gasped and looked to Albert and his son...then she realized something she had come to know a few years earlier. Little Thomas was the very baby Thomas had looked after with Annie and Clarabel a few years ago by giving him and his mother a ride with no stops at all, so as to let them both sleep so well, and now after a few years had gone by, Little Thomas had grown up into a small boy. Emily still wondered about her Thomas, but didn't want Little Thomas to be too worried.
"Oh...hello there, Little Thomas," said Emily. "Look at you, getting bigger and growing up...but I must ask myself...where is Thomas? I thought he'd be back by now from his goods run today. Well, he's sure to be here soon enough..."
But Emily was wrong.
"Whee-hee! He-he-he-hee!" Thomas bubbled gleefully as he kept on his way.
By this time, Thomas was nearing his way to Knapford Beach, and after looking after his fuzzy friend for quite a while now, he was soon in for a little surprise and escapade...which would result in a little accident at a slightly unexpected place for it to happen. For the past while, the dog kept looking around to the different views...until they came here, and he saw something that all dogs sought to chase. He suddenly ducked down beneath Thomas' cab door, and almost before Thomas had stopped moving, the dog burst out of his cab and began darting away again. Thomas was surprised and worried.
"Hey! Where are you going?" he asked. Then he saw just what the dog was running towards. "Uh-oh! Squirrel!"
And indeed, beyond the fence on the beach's sand, there was a squirrel with three acorns bundled in its paws. But when it saw the dog, it chittered with alarm and all the acorns went flying. Thomas watched the squirrel skitter away, followed closely by the dog as it chased the squirrel this way and that, and was now a runaway dog.
"Come back! We need to find your home!" Thomas called as his fireman ran back to the cab.
Thomas whistled and took off as fast as he could, following the dog's path. He was already out of sight for Thomas, but not out of hearing range. Thomas could hear barks, chitters, rustling of bushes and snapping of twigs every which way as he huffed quickly onwards and forwards.
It wasn't long before Thomas rushed his way to Maithwaite Forest, still following the sounds of the dog and the squirrel. Then just a minute or two later, Thomas glimpsed to his left...and there was the Love Tree again. By this time, with the approaching autumn, its lush green leaves had now turned to a rustic golden-brown look. Thomas would have loved to stop and spend time here with Emily, but he couldn't stop now. He rushed right past the Love Tree and kept on the chase.
"Here, doggy-doggy!" Thomas called as he raced along the line.
Thomas was quite close now. Just a few dozen yards more, and he would catch up to his fuzzy friend. But just around the next corner, where all the engine couples had trailed to see the Love Tree for themselves, a large branch had fallen right across the track, rather like the tree Emily tried to push out of the way with the Rangers then ended up derailed until Nia came along and camped out with her. The squirrel and dog hoped right over it, just as Thomas came around that bed.
"Where are you, doggy?" Thomas called.
But then he saw just what was ahead...and too late! Thomas hit the branch head-on, then bumped, bounced, joggled, and skidded off the line. And just ahead of him, the dog caught up with the squirrel, seeming much calmer now that he and the squirrel were face to face. But Thomas wasn't happy. He was derailed and completely stuck now.
"Oh, no! What have I done? I'm stuck!" Thomas lamented. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize looking after a dog would be such hard work."
But then the next moment, that dog felt an instinct of wanting to help its friend. It suddenly pranced away from the tree while the squirrel scurried up the trunk. Then to Thomas' surprise, and his driver too, the dog suddenly snatched away his cap and took off running out of the forest.
"My cap!" Thomas' driver exclaimed.
All Thomas could do was frown with inadequacy and feeling rather silly. He had hoped that perhaps he could help that dog and even show and tell Emily all about it, but now it seemed as though he had only caused trouble and that dog was still on the loose...but Thomas would soon be in for a most pleasant surprise...and when evening came, there would be a little more for him...and Emily to partake in.
Meanwhile, back at Knapford Station, Emily, Albert and Little Thomas were still waiting for Thomas to come back. Still, Emily couldn't help but wonder if Thomas had found that dog and thought of something to help it, and it made her wonder exactly why he had not come back yet. Just then, the Fat Controller came out of his office and saw who was right there at the platform. He nodded to Emily for finishing her share of work, then he cozied up to the little boy that Thomas looked after when he was just a baby.
"Why, haven't you grown, little Thomas?" said the Fat Controller, holding his cheek. "Glad to see you still love visiting the railway."
"Yes. I can't wait to see 'Big Thomas.' Where is he?" asked Little Thomas.
"Good question, son. He should have been here ages ago," said Albert.
Emily fully agreed as she kept looking ahead for Thomas to come back...but then, right at that moment, almost as she began to expect it to come along, the dog came rushing into the station. Emily recognized him at once and suddenly noticed that he was carrying a driver's cap. Before she could say anything, the Fat Controller noticed the dog.
"Ho-ho-ho-ho! Not you again," he laughed. "Right. Let me call that Dog Warden and...hang on! That's Thomas' driver's cap!"
Emily's heart jumped. In that instant, her wonders were confirmed. This told her that Thomas had indeed met the dog as she had wondered before. She now knew that she'd have some stories to tell and hear this evening, as would Thomas. But where was he? Had something happened to him? Emily thought these over as she watched the dog put the cap down, sit down, and then bark twice to the Fat Controller.
"Thomas?" the Fat Controller tried to understand. The dog barked again. "Has something happened to Thomas?"
The dog barked two more times. Emily watched with a perplexed look in her eyes. Although she had come to like this dog, she felt rather awkward over what she was seeing and hearing.
"Is the Fat Controller really trying to talk to that dog?" she thought awkwardly to herself. Then the Fat Controller addressed her.
"Emily! We need to find Thomas! He's in trouble!"
"Oh! Yes, sir! You can count on me." But as soon as Emily started to move, she stopped. "Uhh...but...how will I know where to find him, sir?"
To this, the dog barked three times, then took off running down the line.
"Just follow that dog!" said the Fat Controller.
To this, Emily whistled and indeed followed the dog along the line. She now found it a little unusual to be led by a dog to her cobalt star, but if the dog knew where Thomas was, she had to comply. She watched as he ran right along the line and she followed whichever tracks she needed to so she could find Thomas...and tell him all about her experience with this dog...as well as hear his experience too. Now that she knew that he had met this dog, she was eager to see and hear what he'd have to tell her.
Soon, the dog ran down the line leading to the Branch Line and Emily followed him swiftly along Dryaw where she first met the dog, Toryreck, Elsbridge, up to Ffarquhar, then up past Lower Arlesburgh, and up further...where she would soon find Maithwaite Forest if the dog kept going. This made Emily suddenly wonder if there would be more to this day than just making a fuzzy friend between her and Thomas. She found herself starting to think about the Love Tree...and just what she and Thomas would potentially do there if they could.
"Well, my fuzzy friend," Emily said as she followed closer to the dog. "It seems that Thomas has made a fun friend out of you. But if he's where I think he is now...I think we'll be doing a few things...at a certain place, all thanks to you."
And Emily huffed onwards with the dog...toward Maithwaite Forest.
Inside the forest, Thomas' crew was clearing away the branches, while Thomas continued to lament and reminisce over his mistake today. He really wanted to help that dog find a home, but then that dog ran loose and wound Thomas up in trouble...but not for much longer.
"Oh...I should have focused on my jobs, instead of chasing d-"
Thomas' sentence was scarcely finished, when he heard Emily's whistle. In that instant, all disappointment vanished from Thomas' boiler as he looked up and saw her coming around the bend. When Emily saw Thomas right now, she was admittedly relieved to see he was only slightly derailed and not hurt at all.
"Emily! You came!" Thomas rejoiced happily. "How did you know I was here?"
"Well...let's just say a fuzzy friend told me," Emily chortled cheerfully.
As soon as Emily said that, Thomas looked down beneath Emily's buffer beam and saw the dog prance up and spiral in circles with his driver's cap. Then he pranced right up to Thomas, letting his driver get his cap back. Now it was Thomas' turn to realize that Emily had met his fuzzy friend. Immediately, he could tell they'd be sharing some interesting stories together once the time came.
"You brought her here? What a clever doggy!" Thomas chortled.
With that, the dog hopped up to Thomas' running plate and started licking his face, making him laugh so and chortle with such delight. Emily had never seen Thomas with a dog like this before, and she found it to be such an adorable sight...and at such a fitting place too, given what she and Thomas had discovered in this very forest.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Okay," Emily giggled. "Now I know where you are, I'll go and fetch Rocky. Won't be long."
And Emily whistled on her way through the forest, while Thomas waited and smiled with his fuzzy friend. And as Emily huffed down the other side of the line, she looked up and gasped slowly. There was the Love Tree, just as it had been before. Emily could now see for herself how the numerous, lush green leaves were now a lovely golden brown colour. Even with this little change in the Love Tree, Emily still thought it looked gorgeous. She whistled again and blew a kiss to the tree.
"We'll be right back here quite soon!" she chortled. "I'm very sure of it."
And while Thomas waited for Emily to come back, he suddenly remembered seeing the Love Tree earlier...and given that Emily went up that very curve that would lead right past it, he began to feel even more strongly that something would happen between them once they had the time, and it made him chortle with excitement, to which the dog barked exuberantly and wagged his tail.
Eventually, as Emily promised, it wasn't long before she came back with Rocky and now Thomas would be helped back on track.
"Here we are, Thomas," said Emily. "Back as promised."
Thomas' driver held onto the dog as Rocky's securing system was hitched onto Thomas. Then he was lifted up from the ground and back onto the line. Then Thomas' crew coupled him up to Rocky and got inside his cab again. The dog barked again and hopped right inside Thomas' cab too. Now that Thomas was safe, he could feel his questions beginning to bud for his angel.
"So, Emily," said Thomas. "I now realize...You...you've met my fuzzy friend."
"I have, Thomas," said Emily. "And I see you've met him too. I was wondering how this day would turn out, and I would love to know exactly what you've been doing about our fuzzy friend, and I'm sure you'd like to hear me tell my story about him too?"
"Oh, yes, Emily!" Thomas beamed. "I'd love that. But before that, we'd best get back to Knapford. The Fat Controller will surely be waiting for me...and we still need to help give this dog a home."
"Of course we do," said Emily. "And let's hurry. Little Thomas is excited to see you."
"Little Thomas...Little Thomas," said Thomas. "Oh! Emily! Do...do you mean the baby I helped to babysit? Albert's baby?"
"He-he! Yes," Emily smiled. "He's a growing little boy now, and he'd love to see you come back."
"Well, let's go then!" Thomas whistled. And so they did. Emily, Rocky and Thomas all set off out of the forest and on their way home.
Back at Knapford Station, Little Thomas was playing lightly with his little blue model train with Albert and the Fat Controller watching him, all while they waited for Emily to return with Thomas and see what this was all about, and if it had anything to do with the dog. The Fat Controller wanted to know just what had happened to Thomas regarding that dog and why...until he, Albert and Little Thomas heard the whistle.
Little Thomas looked up, then cheered. "It's Big Thomas! Yay!"
The Fat Controller turned and saw the little gathering sweep into the station. Emily whistled in with Rocky right behind her...and there was Thomas at the end. The Fat Controller spoke up as soon as they stopped.
"Big Thomas! I mean...Thomas!" he exclaimed. "You have caused a lot of confusing and dela-a-ay!"
Fuzzy had darted out of Thomas' cab and jumped right onto the Fat Controller, making him stumble back and onto the ground as he licked the Fat Controller's face a few times before prancing away...toward Albert and Little Thomas.
"Thank you, my four-legged friend for bringing Thomas back safely," said the Fat Controller.
"I'm sorry for causing trouble, sir," Thomas apologized. "I was just trying to find the dog a home."
"Ho-ho. Well, it looks like it like it may have found a home here after all."
And indeed it did. Thomas and Emily looked and saw that Little Thomas was already petting and nurturing the dog as if it were his already. Little Thomas loved dogs and he was most eager to have this one as his very own.
"Please, may I keep it, Dad?" he asked.
"Do you promise to look after it?" asked Albert.
"Dogs are a big responsibility," Thomas added.
"Oh, yes! I promise I'll look after it, and I'll bring it to visit you lots and lots, Big Thomas!" Little Thomas chimed.
"I'd like that," said Thomas. "But one more thing. This fuzzy little fellow needs a name."
"I know! Fuzzy. Fuzzy the Dog!" said Little Thomas.
And to this, Thomas, Emily and the Fat Controller all laughed together. It had been an unusual, but fun day for Thomas and Emily alike, and they were now looking forward to telling their sides of the story about their fuzzy friend...when at that moment, Bertie honked from outside the station. Everyone looked and saw David walk briskly into the station, having finished his afternoon's share of work. He now wanted to see just what had happened with Thomas' fuzzy friend, and the first thing he saw was Emily with Rocky and Thomas right behind her. Then he saw Albert, Little Thomas and Fuzzy.
"Hello again, David," said Emily. "I see you're back from work...Have...have you heard the story?"
"Hmm. Not yet," said David. "But from what I see, I can tell something's been going on with you two...and I see your fuzzy friend now has a home."
"Ah. Hello again, David," said the Fat Controller. "Fuzzy is now Little Thomas' dog...and yes. Some things have been going on. So...Thomas? Would you care to tell us exactly what happened with your fuzzy friend today?"
Thomas perked up. So did Emily. Now they could tell their sides of the story of their fuzzy friend and see just what happened between them.
"I'd be happy to tell, sir," said Thomas. "As long as Emily would like to tell her story too. She said so herself when she brought Rocky."
"Yes, Thomas. I did," said Emily. "But first, why don't I place Rocky in the yards, so I can be beside you, Thomas? Then I'll bring him back to the Rescue Centre."
"Alright, Emily. Thanks again, Rocky," Thomas smiled.
"Happy to help, Thomas," said Rocky.
Thomas and Emily quickly reversed together. Thomas uncoupled from Rocky and reversed a little further, then Emily placed Rocky in a large siding. Then she switched to the line beside Thomas and they came back to the platforms.
"Alright, then. So...why don't we start from the beginning?" said Emily. "This morning, Thomas and I were the last to leave Tidmouth Sheds. I notice that today is the first day of autumn, and we were both wondering how it would turn out. This past summer, I learned that David is my true best friend, and as such, I'm sure that this autumn would bring something else...and it did today."
"Indeed it did, Emily," said Thomas.
"So, Thomas...would you care to tell us how you first met Fuzzy here?" the Fat Controller asked.
"Gladly," said Thomas. "I was the first to see him. It happened right here when I got Annie and Clarabel ready and I greeted Gordon good morning. Just as he was about to answer, we heard the bark. I thought something was wrong with Gordon's voice. So did James. He said Gordon's voice sounded a little 'ruff'!"
Emily had to giggle to this. "Hm-hm! Then what happened?"
"Nia came along and asked what such a little thing was doing at the station," said Thomas. "Gordon thought she was talking to him. But she was talking to the dog."
"Oh...so he was right here at Knapford?" Emily asked.
"Yes, Emily," said Thomas. "He was already running everywhere when I saw him. He went running after a bird and blocked James' line. And none of James' orders would make him move. Then Nia noticed that it had no collar, which meant it had no home. I immediately began to wonder if there was anything we could do to help him...but while we were thinking about that...Fuzzy here...well...he left James a little something on his wheels."
And Thomas gave a little wink to Emily, who knew just what Thomas meant by this. She managed not to laugh, but she had a lot of effort not to do so. The Fat Controller didn't have to ask to know what Thomas meant by this either. All he did was nod and eye Fuzzy for a moment.
"I see," he said. "Well, dogs will be dogs. What happened then, Thomas?"
"Well, James said Fuzzy can't live on a railway as it's no place for a dog," said Thomas. "And as I saw Fuzzy run off again, it made me wonder...if Emily would end up seeing him. I know she did eventually...but now I'd like to know how you met our fuzzy friend, Emily."
To this, Emily smiled to Thomas and David smiled too.
"Well, Thomas. Around that time, I was at Dryaw managing my passengers...and David was right along with me."
"I was, Thomas," said David. "Since I didn't need to work until the afternoon, I decided to humour Emily and come along with her, being her best friend, of course. And it was at Dryaw when we saw Fuzzy run to the station and see us both."
"Hmm," Thomas pondered. "And what did you think, Emily?"
"Well, Thomas, I like dogs quite nicely," said Emily. "I know Katie, Farmer McColl's dog and I could see Fuzzy had no collar and I wondered if he was lost, looking for his home. And I also realized that I didn't know yet what David thought of dogs..."
"Well, David? What do you think of dogs?" Thomas asked.
David looked to Fuzzy, then Little Thomas. He didn't want to sound the wrong way in his slight dislike to dogs, so he chose his words carefully.
"Actually, Thomas...I'm not really a dog person myself," said David. "I know they're truly faithful companions and they do make good pets, but I don't see myself owning one. To me, dogs are a huge responsibility and can be very tiring...as I'm sure you found out today."
Thomas was admittedly a little surprised to hear that David didn't like dogs as much as expected.
"Now, Little Thomas," David said to the boy and his dog. "I'd like to assure you that you have a very good pet you can truly enjoy, and also keep in mind that I don't dislike dogs. I do respect them, but I just don't think I would own one. But I do have a personal interest in collies."
"Oh, yes, collies. Truly remarkable dogs," the Fat Controller pondered.
"And I know a select few stories about dogs. 'Lassie Come Home,' 'Old Yeller,' and of course...Balto," said David.
"Ahh, Balto," said the Fat Controller. "I've heard about him through my life."
"Balto? Who's Balto, David?" Thomas asked.
David quickly told Thomas he same story he told Emily about Balto, and immediately, Thomas was intrigued and fascinated.
"Cinders and Ashes!" Thomas gasped. "Risking life and limb in such freezing blizzards! Amazing!"
"It is, Thomas," said David. "Anyway, Sir Topham Hatt came along and almost tripped over Fuzzy."
"Yes, Thomas. I was quick to stop him in time," said Emily. "And much like James, sir, you also said Fuzzy can't live on the railway."
"I did, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "That's when I thought of calling a Dog Warden to take care of Fuzzy, Thomas."
"But Fuzzy didn't like that idea," said Emily. "Before either of us could say another word, he darted right out of the shed and into the field. And that's when I began to wonder if you would meet Fuzzy, Thomas. I couldn't help but assume that maybe you'd find him and want to help him...and now by today's events, it's clear that you did. So what did you do, Thomas?"
"Well, I was on my Branch Line run with Annie and Clarabel," said Thomas. "When Fuzzy came running out to the line right in front of me. I knew it was too dangerous for him to be running about the tracks...and so I decided to give him a ride, although Annie and Clarabel told me that engines can't have pets. And as I told you, Little Thomas, Clarabel told me that dogs are a huge responsibility. I know I can't look after a dog, but I still wanted to help him find a home...and in fact, Emily...I've just noticed now, there's one little story about dogs I haven't told you yet."
"What do you mean, Thomas?" Emily asked.
"Fuzzy isn't the first dog I ever gave a ride for," said Thomas. "Many years ago...I rode another dog."
Emily's eyes widened with interest, and the Fat Controller suddenly smiled as he knew just what Thomas was talking about.
"What's this, Thomas?" Emily asked. "Whose dog did you give a ride to?"
"Oh...I know this story, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "You see, many years ago, there came the first time my engines met my mother Dowager Hatt. She had come to Sodor as a V.I.P. passenger. But that morning, Gordon's fire wouldn't light. The firelighter and Percy referred to the matter as gremlins, but Gordon was eventually on his way. Thomas got delayed a little by a cow on the line, but he brought my mother...and her dog to Gordon just in time."
"She...she had a dog, sir?" Emily asked. "What kind?"
"A Dalmatian, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "They're white dogs with black spots...and they're what spawned the story of '101 Dalmatians.' Could you imagine that many dogs...or Fuzzy's right here at once?"
"A hundred and one?!" David gasped. "It overwhelms me to even think about it!"
"That would be stunning," Emily breathed. "But then again, this is a railway, not a giant field for so many dogs to run in. Except maybe Katie and Farmer McColl's sheep."
"True enough, Emily," said Thomas. "Anyway, Dowager Hatt and her dog rode with Gordon to the next station, and when Gordon blew his whistle, which frightened the dog into a field, where a bull frightened him back to the station and he ran right into my cab. And so I gave him a ride all the way to the Docks. I asked Dowager what the dog's name was...and after that day's events, she renamed him Gremlin."
"And my mother, of course, is always right. Ha-ha-ha-ha!" the Fat Controller laughed heartily.
"But anyway...what about Fuzzy, Thomas?" Emily asked.
"Oh! Of course," said Thomas. "I mentioned Gremlin to Annie and Clarabel, but they told me that Gremlin had an owner. Fuzzy didn't. Therefore, I didn't have to help Gremlin find a home. I knew I needed to concentrate on my jobs, but I wanted to help Fuzzy. So my driver decided that at Kellsthorpe Road, the stationmaster could take a photograph then make copies of notice posters for Fuzzy while I got ready for my goods run. We placed those posters at every station on the way back. Kellsthorpe Road, Maron, Wellsworth and Crosby. But by the time we got to Crosby...I noticed that those notice posters had a heart on them...and that made me think of you, Emily."
Emily blushed a little. "Oh, Thomas...they did? Why?"
"Because...it made me think even more if you got to see Fuzzy...and as we tell this story, you did see him," said Thomas. "Where were you, anyway?"
"Hmm. I think by that time, I was returning here with my passengers," said Emily. "David left to get to work, but I then noticed you weren't here. I was expecting you would be after finishing your goods run, and I kept wondering if you might have met Fuzzy. I went to Tidmouth Sheds and turned around to face the other way since my passengers were taken care of."
"Hmm...oh, my goodness," Thomas breathed. "I...I think I must have through Knapford by that time and carried onward toward Knapford Beach...Emily? I think we might have just barely missed each other. You must have come back shortly afterwards!"
"Wow...you know, Thomas...I think you're right," said Emily. "And that's when I saw Albert and Little Thomas come along."
"Yes, Thomas. We did," said Albert. "My son was excited to see you and we were wondering where you could be."
"I recognized that Little Thomas here is the baby you babysat a few years ago, Thomas," said Emily. "When you gave him and his mother a trip with no stops at all. Such a lovely babysitter you were to do that for them."
"Oh...well...I hope you enjoyed that ride, Little Thomas," Thomas smiled.
"I did. Very warm and snug. Thank you, Big Thomas," Little Thomas smiled.
"So, Thomas," said Emily. "We all waited here for you, and I had my hopes that you'd be along any minute...but then you weren't. So what happened that got you derailed? What did our fuzzy friend do?"
"Well, Emily," said Thomas. "By the time we got to Knapford Beach, I was starting to have plenty of fun with Fuzzy...but then, that's when things went wrong. As soon as I stopped so my fireman could place another poster of Fuzzy, he ran right out of my cab...and after a squirrel!"
"Squirrels? Of course!" the Fat Controller realized. "You'd best be careful about that, Albert and Little Thomas. Dogs will chase any squirrel they see."
"And so I gave chase," said Thomas. "I followed Fuzzy and the squirrel further up the line...right into Maithwaite Forest, where you found me, Emily. Briefly, between you and me, I saw the Love Tree again...and...well, I'll say more on that later. I went past the Love Tree, sir. I was very close. But then I looked ahead...and there was a big tree branch right there for me to hit, and I jostled and skidded off the rails. I felt awful, and I had no idea that looking after a dog was such hard work...but it seems that Fuzzy is much more clever than I thought at the time. Almost immediately after I derailed, he ran and took my driver's cap and ran off...to find you, Emily."
Emily smiled proudly. "Yes, Thomas. Just like I told you. Our fuzzy friend told me what happened and that I had to come for you."
"So...how did he do it?" Thomas asked. "I trust you were all here waiting for me?"
"Yes, we were, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "Then suddenly, Fuzzy came running in. I was ready to call the Dog Warden and make sure he had shelter until someone would own him...but then I noticed that he had your driver's cap, Thomas. Fuzzy then began to bark at me, as if he were trying to tell me something."
"Although I found it a little awkward to see you talking to a dog, sir," said Emily. "No one can speak dog language except dogs."
"Well, Fuzzy seemed to know what to do, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "And given that it was about Thomas, I knew you'd be the one to find him."
"So...Fuzzy led my emerald angel to me?" Thomas smiled from buffer to buffer.
"That he did, Thomas," said Emily. "I felt a little awkward to be following a dog to find you...but as I followed Fuzzy, I then knew that you had indeed met a fuzzy friend, and I just knew we'd have stories to exchange...and...now we're caught up from both ends...and I think it wasn't just you who helped give Fuzzy a home. We both did."
"Oh...you're right, Emily!" Thomas remarked proudly. "Animals are wonderful, but looking after them properly is a big responsibility. Remember what happened with Percy and his Very Important Sheep? He was in such a hurry, he didn't wait for have to be checked, and the sheep escaped all over Sodor. I came to the rescue, but Annie and Clarabel are no place for a flock of sheep. Open railway tracks are no place for a dog, but together, we helped to find Fuzzy the dog a home with somebody who will keep him safe and happy."
And with that, Thomas and Emily's fuzzy stories were exchanged and brought altogether.
"Wow...what a first day of autumn, Thomas. Wouldn't you agree, David?" Emily asked. "Uh...David?"
Emily looked to the platform with Thomas and the Fat Controller, and they all saw David standing and looking right at Fuzzy with a curious expression. After hearing everything he had yet a few more words to say himself.
"So. You're supposed to be Thomas' fuzzy friend that he wouldn't stop making such a fuss about?"
Fuzzy just panted and put his head to one side as he looked at David.
"Hmm...Well, Little Thomas," said David. "Treasure, love and own Fuzzy as your very own wonderful pet...but where I stand, I don't see the appeal."
To this, Fuzzy decided to give one more chance with David...and see if he could be a little exuberant with the young captain, just to see if he really was as reluctant to dogs as he let on. Without warning, everyone watched as Fuzzy suddenly jumped up to David's shoulder-point and began licking his face.
"Oh! Ho-ho! Sto-stop that!" David couldn't help but laugh as Fuzzy got down again. "That is very excessive! Alright! You win. After all, you are a clever dog to lead my engine to Thomas. And for that, I suppose you'll do nicely for me too."
"Well...that's nice to hear, David," said Thomas.
"Indeed. Fuzzy will be a fine addition to our family. Now, then. Perhaps we should be on our way home, Thomas," Albert said to his son.
"Yes, Dad...and Fuzzy the Dog too! Thank you again, Big Thomas! And Emily!" Little Thomas beamed and waved.
"Hm-hm! You're very welcome, Little Thomas!" Thomas whistled back.
"Have fun with your new pet, Little Thomas!" Emily whistled.
And with that, Albert, Little Thomas and Fuzzy all left the station and made their way home. David gave a little wink to Emily and left the station too, while the Fat Controller gave a smile and a nod to Thomas and Emily and went back into his office. Now Thomas and Emily were alone and in their own company...mostly. Rocky was still in his siding in the yard.
"Well, Thomas...today has been quite a day indeed for both of us," said Emily. "You made a fuzzy friend, as did I. We wanted to see if we could find him a home, you took care of him...and Fuzzy led me right to you in Maithwaite Forest."
Thomas suddenly perked up to Emily's words and suddenly remembered what he had seen back in the forest...and what he had been thinking too. He began to wonder if Emily's line of thoughts was the same as his right now.
"Yes, Emily. Maithwaite Forest," he said.
"Exactly, Thomas," said Emily. "And as such...I've been thinking...now that you're back on track, and Fuzzy now has a home...well..."
"You...you know, Emily," Thomas put in as she paused. "I...I did say I passed the Love Tree too, while going after Fuzzy. I have to admit that when you went to get Rocky, I noticed that you took the line right past it...therefore...now that we're in our own company again...I believe we have the matter of a-"
"Shh..." Emily hushed softly. Thomas watched as she batted her eyelashes right at him. "Just wait here, Thomas. I must return Rocky to the Rescue Centre first. Won't be long."
And with a wink, Emily set off through the station. In five minutes, she came passing back through the station, facing the other way. As she passed by Thomas, she winked to him again. Then she returned to Rocky, brought him out of the siding and set off back down the line for the Search and Rescue Centre, while Thomas waited and smiled. He could now tell that the day wasn't quite over yet. Not for him and Emily at least. After about half an hour, which felt more like a full hour to Thomas, Emily came back through the yards...and into the station. When Thomas looked to her, he could see a narrow look in her eyes, and a thin smile on her lips. Thomas felt his wheels begin to quiver.
"Emily...what are we...?" Thomas began.
"Switch to my line, Tommy. Please?" Emily asked politely.
Thomas felt his heart begin to ripple with pending anticipation as he backed up, then switched to Emily's line. As soon as he did that, Emily came forward and buffered up to Thomas, her eyes beginning to glimmer as the day slowly began to turn to evening after a fuzzy and unusual day for Thomas.
"What are we doing, Emily?" Thomas asked.
"Going to the forest, of course," said Emily. "Lead the way, my star."
To this, Thomas smiled fully and winked to Emily. And with that, they set off through Knapford Station and up along the line. Now that this slightly unusual day was solved and worked through, it was time for Thomas and Emily to spend some time together in light of making a new fuzzy friend, and just how it made them end up where they found each other...and how they would now spend the evening there together.
Soon enough, Thomas and Emily found their way back to Maithwaite Forest. They huffed along the line together, smiling heartfeltly and surely to each other...then they came to that very curve which they both knew what it would lead to. The little spot where Emily found Thomas and Fuzzy. They curved around the bend, huffed on a little further, and then, just as they had discovered that previous Spring, as they had seen individually today...they were back at the Love Tree again. Thomas and Emily came to a gentle stop and a little hiss of steam to each other.
"Well...here we are, Thomas," said Emily. "Back at the Love Tree...where Fuzzy ultimately led you and I on our own terms today."
"Y...yes, Emily...he...he did," said Thomas. "And...oh, Emily. Look at it. Even now in autumn, it still looks so special."
Thomas and Emily then took a good long look at the Love Tree and they still felt that deep stirring of wholesomeness and belonging that came from the tree. It didn't matter that the leaves weren't lush, thick and green now until the following spring. The golden-brown shades in the leaves now made it look so wonderful just the same, and given the circumstances surrounding Thomas and Emily's fuzzy friend today, there was no more fitting place to be than right here right now.
"Oh, yes, Thomas," said Emily. "And now that you and I are right here...I must ask. You said you passed the Love Tree when chasing Fuzzy. Did you have any other potential thoughts about it?"
"In fact, Emily...I did," said Thomas. "I felt it as soon as you left to fetch Rocky and bring him to help me. I too noticed that you'd be going up that line, and you'd see the tree too. It gave me a strong sensation that we'd come back here once we helped Fuzzy find a home...and now...well, that's come true."
"And now...we're here again at the Love Tree," said Emily. "And I must admit, Thomas. While Fuzzy led me toward this forest...it made me start thinking about this very tree...and if you and I would get to see it...and then, when I went to fetch Rocky, I, too saw just how beautiful the tree looks now with these lovely golden brown colours. Even with that little change, it looks gorgeous...and given that Fuzzy led us both here in his way, I knew that we'd be back here quite soon. And here we are."
"Yes, Emily. Here we are," said Thomas. "At the biggest, hugest, and most gigantic, lushest tree on the entire Island of Sodor. And it seems that you and I have both put together little hopes to be here together...and now those hopes have come true...all thanks to our Fuzzy friend."
"Yes, Thomas. It has," said Emily. "And as we said at Knapford...we both helped give Fuzzy a home. You found him in the first this morning, then I found him at Dryaw. You chose to look after him, you derailed here, then Fuzzy came and led me right to you, and then Little Thomas got to adopt him and he is no longer a stray. He has a wonderful family with Little Thomas and his parents."
"Yes, Emily...and I think we should be proud of ourselves and each other," Thomas smiled. "I know I'm very proud of you for coming to find me, with Fuzzy's help of course. I'm so happy he could lead you to your cobalt star. He's SUCH a clever doggy!"
"Ha-ha-ha! He is, Thomas. And I'm so very proud of you for caring so much for Fuzzy when he didn't have a home. You may have landed in a bit of trouble, but you and I gave Fuzzy a home together, and that makes me very proud of you too...and as such, I think you and I both deserve to reward each other for what we've done for him...and given where we've ended up now."
Now Thomas began to feel his heart beating faster and his wheels quivering a little more. He looked to the sky and saw the sun was beginning to set, bringing in a lovely glow of golden orange through the trees. Then he looked at Emily and could see she was beginning to blush and quiver a little too. She clearly had something significant in mind for herself and Thomas, and whatever it would be, it would certainly be a wonder and joy to participate in with her. Thomas felt as though she were putting a few more things together in her mind.
After a few moments, Emily looked right into Thomas' eyes and began to narrow her eyes to him. Her smile became broader and when she spoke, she sounded very smooth and prepared.
"E...Emily?" Thomas began, starting to blush. "It looks like you have something in mind...for the two of us..."
"I...I do, Thomas," said Emily. "I have a certain...theme between you and I tonight...but before we do that...you need just a little cleaning off."
"What do you mean, Emily?" Thomas asked.
"Well...I did see Fuzzy lick your face when we found you," said Emily. "Would you be a dear and let my driver just quickly rub you down?"
"For you, Emily? Gladly!" Thomas agreed.
So Emily's driver stepped down from Emily's running plate with a clean rag. Then he got up on Thomas and gave his cheek a good rub-down so as to be sure he and Emily would truly enjoy themselves here. In less than a minute, Thomas was rubbed down and Emily's driver returned to her cab. Now, Emily was ready. She looked even deeper into Thomas' eyes, then began to purr softly.
"Very good, Thomas...now we are ready," she crooned. "What I have in mind tonight...is themed by our fuzzy friend today."
"Oh...Emily," Thomas whispered. "What do you mean...themed by Fuzzy?"
"Well, my love," said Emily. "Given that today was mostly about dogs, said to be one of the most signature pets in the world...I thought that perhaps we could have a little fun here...like Fuzzy had with you."
Thomas felt his heart begin to jump as he began to suspect just what Emily was up to. He began to narrow his eyes too and broaden his smile.
"Emily...my seductive temptress," he said smoothly. "If you have in mind what I think you do..."
"I can see you're thinking just what I am, Tommy," Emily cooed. "But before we do anything...there's one thing I'd like to know from you."
Thomas went quiet, but maintained his smooth presentation.
"We both like dogs quite nicely," said Emily. "And you and I both made a fuzzy friend today, who we helped give a home, and who weaved us right here to the Love Tree. As such, I'm curious to know, Thomas...since I like dogs very well...I want to know what that makes me in your opinion. I'd love to hear what you might come up with...and what you might do."
Thomas thought for a moment...remembering what David said about the dog stories he knew...then Thomas gave such a look to Emily, she giggled madly and blushed a deep red as she braced herself for whatever Thomas would say and do.
"Well, Emily...you're my beautiful emerald angel, queen and temptress...and when it comes to you liking dogs like I do, and having Fuzzy bring us here in the end today...I believe that gives you another little potential nickname...just for you and I."
"Ooh...and what would that be, Thomas?" Emily chortled.
"For helping Fuzzy find a home...and since you found me here and we're now here together...that makes you...my beautiful emerald Lassie! And for that..."
Thomas suddenly buffered right up to Emily. Then he closed his eyes and reach out his tongue, then started licking her cheek steadily and lovingly, like they always did together. To this, Emily jumped and tittered with such a chirp and shaky giggles.
"Oh! Oh! Hah! Ahh! Thomas, that tickles!" she tittered happily. "That tickl-l-les!"
"And you're so delicious, my love," Thomas replied cheekily, but truthfully. "Peaches and strawberries...so tasty."
And Thomas kept licking Emily's cheek a few times over, tasting her lovely, sweet skin and making her jump, squirm and squeal with such delight. Then Thomas went right to her other cheek and licked it too, feeling his heart buzz and drive forward with such fervor and passion, all while Emily's squeals, giggles and titters all made him feel more and more excited until he slowed down and let her catch her breath. He gave both her cheeks a little kiss, then leaned right in and kissed her nose. Emily breathed deeply, leaning her body up and down as she panted and regained her breath until she looked to Thomas again and gave him such a coy look.
"Ooh...you cheeky little tank engine," she giggled seductively. "You really tickled your lassie...Good boy, Tommy."
Thomas looked very smug and proud of himself, but he still carried the sense of passion and truth for his angel.
"Of course I made you tickle," said Thomas. "And now...if you're my emerald lassie...do your lassie kisses tickle me too?"
Emily's smile became broader and deeper, which made Thomas's wheels wobble even more.
"Well, Thomas...it's true that you like dogs too," said Emily. "Little Thomas loves Fuzzy...and since you chose to help Fuzzy find a home, and ultimately wound us up here together...perhaps that might make you my handsome cobalt collie tonight!"
And with that, Emily gave a deep, seductive sigh and closed her eyes. Thomas then watched as she opened her mouth, reaching her lovely pink tongue to his face, then she began licking his cheek a few times over, as if she really were Lassie in her own heartfelt way for Thomas.
"Ooh-hoo-hoo!" Thomas shuddered and groaned with glee. "You've such a lovely tongue, Emily! My emerald lassie!"
"Tee-hee-hee-hee-hee!" Emily tittered with such bubbly glee. "Oh, Tommy. Aren't you a good boy...you always are!"
"Oh, Emily...my emerald lassie...that tickles so much! Good girl, Emily," Thomas shuddered as Emily licked his cheek a few times more.
When Emily heard Thomas call her "good girl," she felt her heart flip-flop so immensely, she nearly fainted, but she proceeded to his other cheek and licked it just as lovingly and purely, trailing her shiny, glistening saliva along his cheeks and earning so many more exclaims, groans and pants of passion and joy which made her so happy to be here with him tonight.
"Ahh! Emily! You're perfect, my emerald lassie!" Thomas whistled. "I love you, Emily!"
"Ooh...I love you too, Thomas, my cobalt collie!" Emily whistled happily too.
Then, just about a minute later, Emily gently slowed down and let Thomas catch his breath too. He panted deeply and looked right into Emily's eyes, feeling a sense of coy nature bubbling in him too as she had made him feel quite impressive.
"You cheeky emerald, Emily," he teased. "You made your cobalt collie tickle so much...Good girl, Emily."
Emily just smiled very deeply. Then Thomas' eyes began to soften and he seemed much more heartfelt. This made Emily's expression soften and become heartfelt too. They had their fun together, now they were ready to be more gentle and touching for the rest of the evening.
"That was fun, Thomas," Emily said softly. "Thank you so much, my love."
"You're truly welcome, my sweet," Thomas smiled. "I love you, Emily, my beautiful emerald angel. I'll never stop saying it, and today was such a fun day for me."
"It was fun for me too, Thomas," Emily smiled. "I'm so glad we gave Fuzzy a home and we both made a friend out of him, and he brought us both back to this truly amazing place. You and I with the Love Tree again. I love you too, Thomas. My handsome cobalt star."
"And, my goodness!" Thomas exclaimed. "What a first day of autumn!"
"Oh! Yes, Thomas," Emily smiled. "This has been a rather fun start to autumn, and I look forward to the rest of it."
"So do I, Emily. I love you, my beautiful emerald angel...my lassie," Thomas smiled as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Hm-hm-hm! I love you too, Thomas. My handsome cobalt star and collie," Emily smiled in turn as she kissed his cheek.
And so Thomas and Emily spent the rest of the evening at the Love Tree, softly kissing and cuddling together and all-around feeling immensely happy. It had been quite an interesting day. After Emily had found her true best friend that past summer, Thomas had now found a fuzzy friend of his own who now had a home with Albert and Little Thomas. And in just a few more days, there was to be another particular event...for many, many little engines all across the island. Something that would bring Percy into the mix and create a little confusion and misunderstanding, but would ultimately turn into a resourceful and truly splendid idea...for Luke and Millie, and Rosie and Stanley too.
I hate dogs, just putting that out there, so I intially wasn't too hyped about this episode when it was revealed, but it ended up being one of the best episodes of Series 24. The whole David and Fuzzy thing at the end is a reference to the scene in Sonic the Hedgehog movie where Sonic meets Tom's golden retriever, so there's that. Next time though, we're focusing on both LukeXMillie and RosieXStanley, two couples we haven't focused on in some time, and the episode that provides the context for this story will be "The Great Little Railway Show", so look forward to that. Until then, tell us what you thought of this and as always, stay safe.