Who's Your Best Friend?

by AaronCottrell97

During the preparations for the unveiling of the Tidmouth Sand Sculpture, Emily worries that she does not have a best friend, but when the other engines help her out of a tricky situation, she realises she has been surrounded by great friends all along. But soon after the show, Emily realizes who her true best friend has been all along.

Two days had gone by since the end of the massive and sudden surprise flood at Tidmouth Sheds that had trapped the whole Steam Team inside for eight days altogether. Now that all the Steam Team had been freed from their watery confinement, things couldn't be more perfect for any of the engines, all going back to work again all across the railway, and Emily managed to see David again that very same day for herself, and she too was immensely happy to be out and about again with all the other engines.

But what was more prominent over the past two days was what the Fat Controller, Sir Robert Norramby and the Mayor of Sodor were all working on to develop at Tidmouth Town Square. In response to the departure of such an unpleasant surprise for all the engines to be flood-trapped at Tidmouth Sheds, there was to be a beach-themed funfair, a fairground ride, and a sand sculpture unveiling at Tidmouth Town Square. Throughout those two days, everything had been put into arrangements. A great deal of sand had already been prepared for the sculpture unveiling. Funfair and fairground ride materials had been ordered, built, shipped, and scheduled for delivery. Iron materiel was being smelted and forged at the Ironworks for a special delivery of its own, and a great slew of passengers had already bought tickets for the big event at Tidmouth Town Square, which would leave Gordon and Rebecca quite busy again of course. The other engines would be busy too before they could go to Tidmouth Town Square and see the funfair for themselves, but for Emily, there was something else yet to be discovered once the time came.

These little hints of discovery began for Emily when evening came on the second day. All the engines returned to Tidmouth Sheds after another very wholesome and happy day of being really useful again. By this time, they were all immensely excited for the Tidmouth Town Square funfair and sand sculpture unveiling that was now due very soon. Then as the engines all settled into their berths, they looked and saw the Fat Controller's car park beside the sheds, and he stepped out to address all the engines.

"Good evening, sir," said Thomas.

"Yes, Thomas. And a very harmonious evening to you all," said the Fat Controller. "Now that you're all here together, I have a little news to share."

"Of course, sir. What news is this?" Percy asked.

"Well, everyone. It's been two days now since you've all been freed from the flood that occurred here. And ever since the sunny weather returned, as you all know, I've been talking with Sir Robert and the Mayor of Sodor about the funfair at Tidmouth Town Square. Preparations have been made. Trains are due to be taken care of, and you'll all be very busy...because the funfair is due to open tomorrow."

All the engines gasped and smiled. They had been anticipating this news for the past two days ever since they were released from the sheds and were told all about this little plan. Emily was the next to speak up with a glimmer in her voice.

"Tomorrow, sir?" she asked. "Wow! So...what is our work for tomorrow then?"

The Fat Controller straightened his hat and answered.

"Well. I've got Philip scheduled to manage the fairground ride to the Town Square tomorrow. A spinning ride with giant buckets and spades. Henry, Edward and Marion have also been invited to the funfair tomorrow if they can finish their work in time. As for the rest of you...well, I need to finalize the timetable tomorrow morning. What with being so busy getting everything back in order after the flood. But I assure you all, if you get your work done in good time tomorrow, you'll all be there to see the funfair too. You all deserve to see it. Now, you'd all best get plenty of rest for the big even tomorrow."

"Goodnight, sir," the engines all said together as the Fat Controller returned to his car and drove away.

"Well...I wonder what we'll all be doing tomorrow," said Emily. "The Fat Controller did say we'd be working together until the funfair is ready."

"Well, Emily. I do know that Gordon and I will certainly be working together," said Rebecca. "This funfair is sure to bring so many passengers."

"Indeed it shall, Rebecca," said Gordon.

"And what could I be doing tomorrow, I wonder?" Nia asked.

"And me?" James added. "Whether I work for the funfair or not, it wouldn't be a funfair with little old me!"

"Hm. The Fat Controller said we'd be working together," said Thomas. "Right when the flood ended, he told us all that. Whatever we might be doing tomorrow, I know I'd be very happy working with you, Emily...my beautiful emerald angel and wife figure."

Emily tittered and blushed. "Oh, Thomas. I know I'd be happy to work with you tomorrow if I can...and if not, who would you work with?"

"Hmm. Maybe Percy, Emily," said Thomas. "He and I are best friends after all, and like all friends, best friends should stick together."

"Thomas is very right, Emily," Percy added. "Just like we all stuck together through the whole flood, and Thomas...my best friend, he helped us all make it through too right from the first day we were all held here...and tomorrow, the celebration can finally begin."

Emily smiled gently to Percy, but when she heard the mention of best friends, something just began to tweak at her mind that made her feel a little unusual. Before she could ask any of the engines about this, Thomas and Percy yawned, ready to sleep.

"Well...tomorrow is the big day, everyone," said Thomas. "Whatever work we do tomorrow, we'll all be there for the funfair. Won't we, Emily?"

"Hmm. Yes, Thomas. We all will," Emily managed to smile. "Well...goodnight, Thomas."

"Goodnight, Emily, my love," said Thomas. "Goodnight, Percy. My best friend."

"Hm-hm! Goodnight, Thomas," Percy peeped cutely.

Then all the other engines bade goodnight to each other, and all fell asleep one after the other...all except for Emily. When she heard Thomas mention best friends again, her thoughts began to thrive more and more. Ever since the flood had passed, she had been able to think more coherently and clearly. She could feel a peculiar sense jumping in her heart and she didn't know why this was happening. But now that silence fell upon the sheds, Emily felt her thoughts gathering more and more.

She slowly scanned her eyes among all the engines, from Rebecca, Gordon, Nia, James, Thomas then Percy. She had been withheld in the sheds for eight constant days with all of them. They had all held out together as a team until the flood had passed, and she was glad to have done it with the whole Steam Team...but when Thomas mentioned the subject of best friends, in the midst of thinking much more clearly, Emily suddenly noticed something that made her heart twitch, flip, then sink quite lowly and even a little sadly.

Emily had just realized something she had never come to think about in great detail in all her years on Sodor ever since she first came. Through all the years of getting to know Sodor and its engines, falling into a trap of bossiness, teasing and making others upset, then springing free from that trap thanks to everything Thomas did to truly bring her back, how they came together in love never to be broken apart and everything else that had transpired...never before did she think of having a best friend of her own. A fun, friendly and enthusiastic best friend to always rely on.

Of course, Emily knew she did find a best friend in Thomas when he brought her back to the light, and it made them both so happy. But that was before they had expressed their love to each other. Indeed, they had been best friends to each other. Thomas had even told her that although he held that statement with Percy, she was truly his very best friend above all just between them. Then that best friend aspect turned into love and would remain that way forever. Having Thomas as a love and husband figure was truly the greatest thing in the world for Emily, but as she realized she had never given much thought to having a best friend of her own, it made her wonder if there was yet a best friend for her to find out there. Thomas and Percy were best friends. Gordon and Rebecca were a loving couple. James and Molly had each other's bond, and Edward lived with Philip at Wellsworth. Emily thought for a while longer, starting to wonder just how the next day would turn out for her and whichever engine...or person she would find out who was truly her best friend.

"Best friend...best friend..." she murmured as her eyes began to flicker shut and she began to yawn. "My best friend...Mmm..."

And Emily slowly fell asleep, still feeling the thoughts of a best friend flickering in her mind as she slipped deeper and deeper into her sleep...but while she slept, Thomas opened one eye just a little bit...having heard a little of what she had just said. He wondered what she might have meant, but was too tired to think much further, so he fell back asleep. Emily knew that everything would be put together for the funfair the next day. And indeed, everything that the funfair needed was ready to be picked up, transported and delivered for all the engines to manage alike. All that remained to be delivered was one more little bundle of sand to finish the Sculpture completely...and who that job would belong to would shape a few things for the beautiful emerald angel...

At last, the morning came. When all the engines woke up at Tidmouth Sheds, they all gave a steady smile to each other. Emily felt herself waking up and as her eyes flickered open and saw the morning sun, she began to feel her best friend thoughts creeping back into her funnel. Her heart began to jiggle a little, but when she looked and saw Thomas and Percy smiling at her, she managed to smile back.

"Good morning, Emily. My sweet, lovely angel," said Thomas.

"Hm-hm! Good morning, Emily...mummy," Percy peeped cutely.

"Hm-hm-hm-hm!" Emily giggled. "Good morning to you both, Thomas and Percy."

"Well, this is the day, everyone," said Thomas "We're very sure to find out what our jobs will be today...and when we'll get to see the celebration for all of us to take part in. The Fat Controller should be here any minute to put us all to business."

And so all the engines were awake bright and early, ready to start another day after the floods had subsided. Now that the day of the funfair and sand sculpture had finally arrived, they all started to wonder what work they'd be doing and who they would be working with. But Emily kept quiet and to herself, thinking more about a best friend...until she and the other engines all looked up and saw the Fat Controller's car drive up to the sheds. Then he came out. Emily decided to try and be optimistic. She remembered what the Fat Controller said about working together. Perhaps she'd work with Thomas, Percy or another friendly engine. And maybe she'd get to see if she could find a best friend throughout the day. This was the big day for all the engines...and in some ways, especially for Emily.

"Listen up, everybody!" the Fat Controller announced. "It's the grand unveiling of the sand sculpture in Tidmouth Town Square. I need you all working in pairs. Now. Rebecca and Gordon, you'll be transporting the extra passengers."

Rebecca and Gordon were ready at once, and whistled in turn as they set off. Then the Fat Controller turned to the next two engines.

"Nia and James, I'd like you to collect a special delivery from the Ironworks."

As Nia and James whistled and set off, the Fat Controller turned to the next two engines, Thomas and Percy, who were the best of friends to each other.

"Percy and Thomas, you'll be shunting at the docks," said the Fat Controller.

Then as Thomas and Percy whistled and made for the turntable, the Fat Controller turned to Emily, who looked right back with a beaming smile. She could see that the other six engines had already been paired up, but when she had heard that the engines would be working in pairs, she was very sure that she'd be able to see if she could find a best friend of her own. She was perfectly ready to be really useful and see which friend she'd be working with if she were lucky enough.

"And Emily. You've got a very important job," said the Fat Controller. "Delivering the final load of sand to the Town Square so they can finish the sculpture."

Normally, Emily would have felt a little underwhelmed to be delivering sand again, but to hear that it was for the sculpturing made her feel proud. But what she was delivering didn't matter as much to her as did which engine she'd be working with...or not.

"And who am I working with, sir?" Emily asked.

She hoped that it would be Thomas or Percy once either of them were finished, or maybe another engine. But what came next from the Fat Controller was not what Emily was expecting at all.

"You've never needed an extra pair of wheels to help you out, Emily."

In that moment, Emily's smile fell away and she felt disappointed. Her little hopes for a pair-up were dashed and she'd be working alone with the subject of best friends playing with her thoughts. She almost called out to Thomas for something to say, when he called to Percy.

"Race you to the Docks, Percy!" Thomas blurted.

"Not if I race you first!" Percy called back as they huffed down the line with a chortle and a playful whistle to each other.

"Now, now, you two," called the Fat Controller. "Don't make me regret letting two best friends work together!"

And the Fat Controller laughed and set off again. What Emily heard from the Fat Controller was almost too much after the heavy realization she had made the night before. All her inner thoughts began to consume her with a sense of envy and inadequacy. As she watched Thomas and Percy huff down the line, she felt even more disappointed. When it came to who her best friend could possibly be, it didn't seem fair to work all by herself. As happy as Emily was to have Thomas as her own husband figure, Percy as her son figure and Donald and Douglas as her brotherly figures, those were all special family-like relations. Truly wonderful in their way, but Emily then felt a little forlorn that she didn't have an individual best friend of her own like many other engines did.

"It would be fun to have a best friend to do my job with too. Mmm..." she hummed disappointedly and feeling inadequate.

With that, Emily slowly and puzzlingly set off out of Tidmouth Sheds and into the crisp, bright sunlight. As she huffed slowly along the line, she began thinking deep thoughts about best friends. She really wanted to find an individual engine who had yet to have a best friend of their own, and Emily kept humming softly to herself, trying to figure out who there could be for her. As she passed a field with three cows, she began thinking aloud to herself, and even managed to smile as she was sure she could find an answer.

"Hmm...best friend...best friend?" she pondered. Then something caught her eye and made her smile. "What? Giant buckets and spades?"

This was the funfair ride that the Fat Controller had been talking about...and Philip was at the back, pushing it along on his way.

"Hiya! Can't stop. I'm taking this fairground ride to the Town Square!" Philip called.

In that moment, Emily conjured a little thought. She remembered Philip to be a chipper, friendly box cab ever since he first arrived. Exuberant, chatty and humble all at once...and it seemed like he had quite a big load to manage, and she though that perhaps she could make her first approach.

"Philip! Wait!" Emily called. "Would you like a day off from shunting? Come and collect the sand from the Docks with me. You can be my best friend!"

When Philip heard this, he was quite pleased to hear such a sweet comment come from Emily.

"Best friend? Sure!" Philip replied. "That sounds great!"

"Oh...!" Emily chortled with glee, but Philip went on.

"But collecting sand...No, sorry. Too much to do. See you later at the unveiling though!"

And Philip set off down the line. But Emily sighed with envy and disappointment. It seemed that Philip wouldn't need her help today. As she found her way back to Knapford Station to think a little more, she saw Gordon and Rebecca starting their day with the extra passengers. Emily glanced at their chipper, harmonious expressions to each other and felt even more left out as the two express engines exchanged little banter to each other and set off for Tidmouth Town Square.

"Express Coming Through! Oh! Sorry. After you!" they called together as they left the station. "Oh, hi, Emily!"

Emily heard them both, but continued to feel gloomy. She easily knew that Gordon couldn't be her best friend. Of course, part of that matter came with all the most terrible and wretched things he had done to her alongside James for four and a half years, effectively making her the most despicable, unlikeable engine on Sodor for that period of time when she did nothing to deserve all of that...until Thomas finally staked everything to bring her back to who she really was. Although she had long since forgiven Gordon and James and moved on, that was still an embedded memory for her to always carry.

As for Rebecca, Emily found her to be a very sunny and cheerful engine who always made others feel and see the very best in themselves. She was such a bright, sunny engine for all the other engines to be happy to see, especially Gordon. But as the two express engines had each other, Emily knew there was no point in working with them. But as she suddenly remembered about the sand, she suddenly felt another little sense of hope. Perhaps Thomas or Percy would be able to go with her to Tidmouth...

Emily was making her way to the Docks when she heard a familiar voice. "Yoo-hoo!"

It was Marion the steam shovel, digging up dirt beside the line, and all-too ready to play the little game she always played with any engine she worked with. Emily could see how exuberant and high-spirited Marion was feeling and thought perhaps she had another chance.

"Guess what's in my shovel!" Marion chimed.

"Oh! Oh! I know!" Emily chirped and whistled as she stopped beside Marion. "Dirt!"

"How did you guess?" Marion asked.

Emily laughed merrily as she suggested her point with her little dance. "Look at us! Just a couple of best friends playing the guessing game."

"I'm your best friend?" Marion asked, lightly astonished.

"Want to help me deliver some sand trucks to Tidmouth?" Emily asked.

"Oh, well that sounds great!" Marion began. "But...I'm just so busy, I don't think I can. I'll see you at the unveiling later though...best friend."

"Ohh," Emily mumbled gloomily.

Normally, she would have felt pleased to be called a best friend, but she still didn't have anyone to work with. Then Emily heard two more whistles to her right. There were Nia and James huffing and laughing together down the other line with their load from the Ironworks. They both chortled and whistled to Emily as they passed by. Emily saw them go by and thought about them too. Much like Gordon, she knew already that James could not be any best friend of hers. Aside from his knack of villainy against her alongside Gordon, not even on James' best days, could Emily consider him to be a best friend. As for Nia, Emily remembered fondly how much they had come together as good friends. Especially when Emily took the Sodor Rangers camping so that Nia could shunt in the yards, which eventually led to Nia spending the night with Emily and the Rangers at the Campgrounds, along with David too. That was such a fun night to spend with the orange engine from Kenya. But she was working with James, not Emily.

Emily sighed sadly again. Although she knew Thomas and Percy would be at the docks, no one was scheduled or arranged to help her today anyway. So Emily went to the Docks to pick up the sand by herself. By this time, she was feeling rather sorry for herself. When she arrived at Brendam, Cranky, Carly and Big Mickey greeted her on her way in. But all Emily did was give a melancholy whistle in turn.

Emily then found her trucks of sand in a curving siding and slowly buffered up to them. It made her feel rather like the time she wanted a more exciting delivery after delivering sand, then got that very wish with a giant globe she ended up chasing around the island with Thomas. But this time, she didn't want a giant globe or any exciting delivery. All she wanted was a best friend of her very own to hold onto and turn to whenever Thomas and Percy were too busy...and those were exactly who Emily saw next. She was just about to set off on her way for Tidmouth Town Square, when she heard the two whistles and looked to her left. There were Thomas and Percy playing together as they shunted three trucks each. Emily watched them as her heart flipped even more with desire and want for her very own best friend. As truly happy as she was to have Thomas as her handsome husband figure, and Percy as her adorable son figure, a best friend was something else entirely.

"My turn! My turn! Trucks away!" Thomas and Percy kept chattering to each other...until Thomas looked and saw his beloved angel and wife figure.

"Oh! Hi, Emily! What trucks are those?" Thomas asked.

"They're the sand trucks I have to deliver to Tidmouth," she answered as she slowly came forward.

"For the sand sculpture?" Thomas smiled. Before Emily could answer or ask Thomas another question, Percy peeped in.

"Come on, lazy-wheels! We've got shunting to do! Bye, Emily!" Percy peeped playfully.

And he and Thomas set off again with their trucks, laughing away again. Emily's heart lowered again as she continued to wonder who she could have as her own best friend. She whistled a little "toot-toot," and was about to collect the sand trucks when she saw Henry.

When she saw the big No. 3 Green Engine with red stripes, this time, Emily felt a particularly more confident sensation that perhaps Henry could be her best friend. She quickly thought back to how she had helped him when his tubes were leaking all those many years ago when Thomas and Percy didn't care to think the same. Then she helped him to the Steamworks during the time all the engines were excited to meet Stephen for the first time. Then when Black Loch was badly damaged by a heavy storm, he had helped Thomas to slowly restore Black Loch to its former glory all for her sake. Then after that, Emily had worked with Henry during her three-week punishment upon Thomas when she finally refused to kiss him successfully.

Then the latest thing Henry had done for her was helping her to the Steamworks after she and David had fallen drunk at Maron Station over that spiked water tower of wine and champagne. It seemed that there was a sense of connection between these two engines, even if they were simple acts of friendship and kindness. And so, Emily then spoke up with a chirp in her voice, which made Henry stop and look at her.

"Yoo-hoo! Henry!" Emily chirped with bubbly enthusiasm. "What about giving your old best friend Emily a hand taking these trucks to the Town Square?"

When Henry heard what Emily had just said, he was admittedly flattered. He knew quite well about his experiences with Emily, right from when she first helped him with his leaky tubes. That was a truly friendly thing for her to do after Thomas and Percy left him all those coal trucks. And he fondly remembered the other times they helped each other and did things together. Of course, Henry saw Emily as a gentle, kind and sweet friend to all the engines, including him. Nonetheless, he made his response and assurance to Emily.

"Best friend? Wow!" Henry exclaimed. "But you don't need my help with such a small load. I'll see you at the unveiling later, best friend."

And with a whistle of banter, Henry set off on his way. Emily uttered a little gasp, then a quiet sigh. But before she could feel disappointed again, a little smile came back when she saw Edward with a long train of scrap on his way to the Scrapyard. Emily watched him go by and felt as though he could use some help, being as old as he was...which made a new idea fly to Emily's funnel.

"Now there's an engine that can do with some help," she observed. Then she gasped. "That's it!"

Emily thought then and there that maybe she could work in pairs with another engine after all. She thought back to a few more quick memories, about Edward. Emily knew that she and Edward had not done very much together over the years, but with what interactions they did have together, they were to be fondly remembered and acknowledged. Aside from two not-so-happy interactions when she had to take the express for the first time, and when Edward most outrageously struck out for the sort of engine that he was, Emily still remembered how Edward seemed to see deeper into her relationship with Thomas than they themselves did before it flourished into absolute glory and beauty. She remembered how he had comforted Emily when Thomas had gone missing at Misty Island and had suggested that they were indeed falling in love, how he helped heal her little break-up with Thomas, and of course how he helped Thomas vanquish his inner demon with her little maneuvers too, right until he had to leave Tidmouth Sheds for the last time while Thomas was still on his first big world adventure. Now, here he was with a hefty load of scrap for his age, and perhaps he could use a little help.

So Emily didn't wait to collect the sand, and instead, she went off down Edward's trail, leaving her sand trucks behind, much to the workman's puzzled perplexity. But only ten minutes later, Thomas and Percy backed up again as they had finished their shunting for the day. They were just about ready to go to Tidmouth Town Square and see the sand sculpture unveiling...but then Thomas looked and saw that Emily was gone...but her sand trucks for Tidmouth were still in their siding. Thomas suddenly stopped smiling and began to wonder what was going on.

"Percy, stop," said Thomas.

Percy stopped and saw where Thomas was looking. When he saw the sand trucks, he became a little puzzled.

"What...what's going on?" Thomas asked. "These are supposed to be the sand trucks Emily has to deliver to Tidmouth...but where is Emily? She was here earlier."

"Where did she go? And why would she just leave her trucks here?" Percy asked.

Thomas thought a little more...then he began to remember.

"Hmm...I did see her looking a little forlorn," he observed. "She sounded a little downhearted...but about what, I wonder?"

"Maybe she was thinking a little about how she was only delivering sand before she got that big globe," said Percy.

But then Thomas thought a little deeper...and gasped as he remembered the night before ever-so slightly.

"What is it, Thomas?" Percy peeped.

"Oh...why didn't I think of it earlier?" said Thomas. "What she said last night...why didn't I think more about it?"

"What are you talking about, Thomas?" Percy asked.

"It was just when we fell asleep last night," said Thomas. "I think I heard Emily saying something about...a best friend. Her best friend. Oh...by my buffers! I can't believe it...I just don't believe it!"

"What, Thomas?" Percy asked.

"How did it take us all this time to realize...that Emily never had an individual best friend of her own?"

"What?" Percy asked. "But Thomas, Emily has so many friends. You're her cobalt star, I'm her adorable son figure, Donald and Douglas are her loving brother figures, and David and Beatrice are her Rider guardians, as it is."

"That's right, Percy," said Thomas. "But those are loved ones, sibling figures and good friends...a best friend is something very different..."

"Oh..." Percy breathed. "Maybe that's why she looked a little downhearted...you know, Thomas, Emily has been working alone today, with no pair up...and there can't be any sand sculpture without the sand."

"Exactly, Percy. And I wouldn't want Emily to get into trouble," said Thomas. "I'll bring her sand to Tidmouth...for my emerald angel and wife figure. Maybe when we next see her, we can find out a little more about what this might be about. Follow me, Percy. To the Town Square!"

And so Thomas moved quickly, collected the sand, then hurried down the line, followed closely by Percy.

At Tidmouth Town Square, everything was just about ready. There were decorative tents every which way, balloons were hung all throughout the station and Square, there were ice cream stands and little gift booths. Gordon and Rebecca had already left after delivering all the passengers, James and Nia had delivered all their iron and made it in time for the unveiling, Philip had delivered the fairground ride for the funfair, and Thomas and Percy's shunting was done. The two best friends whistled in together and saw that everyone was gathered together, except for Henry, Edward, Marion and Emily.

"Wow, Thomas! There it is! Look at that funfair! And...ohh! What's behind that big red curtain?"

Thomas looked and saw it for himself. A big, round red curtain that was clearly waiting to be draped open once the time came.

"That must be the sand sculpture, Percy," said Thomas. "And I have the last of the sand right here...but where is Emily?"

Just then, the Fat Controller came by and was very pleased with what he saw.

"Fantastic! This is splendid! All the passengers are here! James and Nia, you've finished your work in time. Philip, you've delivered the bucket-and-spade fairground ride! And Thomas and Percy! Very good! You've both done a good job shunting, and I see you've brought...the final load of sand? But...where's Emily? I told her to bring the sand."

All the engines looked to Thomas and the Fat Controller, including Philip.

"That's what I was wondering, sir," said Thomas. "Percy and I saw Emily arrive to take the sand on her way while we kept shunting together...but then around ten minutes later, Percy and I came back from shunting, and we saw that Emily was gone, and her trucks were still in the siding...so I thought it would be best to bring the sand for her. I hope it's alright that I brought it along in the end."

The Fat Controller was now puzzled and he began to think to himself.

"Hmm...yes, Thomas. It's very good that the sand still made it here on time...but why would Emily go off without delivering the sand herself? And where could she be at this moment?"

"Well, sir," said Thomas. "I think I have a budding idea as to why this happened. Emily seemed a little downhearted and melancholy when we saw her at the Docks."

"Did she?" said the Fat Controller. "Did she say why?"

"No...but I think I should have known since last night," said Thomas. "I think I heard her whisper something about...her best friend...and the more I think about it, I've realized that she hasn't had a best friend of her own. We're all her friends, of course, and I'm her signature husband figure, but Percy is my best friend...and maybe Emily suddenly felt as though she never had an individual one for herself."

"Oh, yes she does! I'm her best friend!" Philip blurted out quickly. "She told me herself today! She saw me earlier today with the fairground ride. May I go look for her, sir?"

"Excuse me...you, Philip? Her best friend?" Thomas asked. "What is going on?"

"Well, everyone stay calm," said the Fat Controller. "The sand is here and we can finish the sculpture...and perhaps once Emily arrives and the funfair is over, we can figure this out. After all, she shouldn't miss the unveiling. Maybe you'd better go and find Emily, Philip. See what she could be up to. Perhaps I need a word with her...and see just what this might be all about."

"Yes, sir," said Philip as he honked his horn and scurried away to find Emily...or as he thought in the moment, his best friend.

Thomas was puzzled and confused. "But how? How can Philip be Emily's best friend? They've barely done anything together."

"Well, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "If she's looking for a best friend, maybe she wasn't entirely sure as to who it could really be...but whatever she may have to say to us, I think I already know just what to do about all this..."

And with a little wink, he walked back toward the Square as the Mayor and Sir Robert both arrived. All Thomas and the other engines could do was wait and see what Emily had to say about all of this...and what they would all come to do for her shortly.

Meanwhile, Philip was still on the search for Emily, wondering where she could be so as to see what his "best friend," could be doing. But elsewhere along the line, Marion and Henry were on their way to Tidmouth Town Square to see the grand unveiling now that their work was done. They were both still feeling delighted to be referred to as Emily's best friends...but what they didn't know yet was that their stretch of line was right along where Emily had been following Edward's trail to help him...and this would lead to a little tricky situation for Emily.

Further along the line, Emily was still following Edward's trail, eager to help him as a best friend. She had been held back by a few red signals along the way, letting Edward get further ahead of her. But eventually, she caught up right behind him, still feeling eager to see how he would take the compliment of being her best friend. Emily slowly came closer and closer, and Edward felt as though someone were following him as he could hear huffing and puffing far behind him...until Emily hurried closer and buffered behind a little suddenly for Edward, making him jump forward.

"Uh! What's going on?" Edward asked.

"I'm here to give my best friend Edward a hand," Emily smiled.

When Edward heard this, he was not expecting it to come from Emily, but all the same, he was touched and delighted.

"Best friend? Well I like the sound of that!" Edward beamed. "Thanks, Emily!"

"No problem," Emily smiled happily. "Best friends should stick together..."

Emily felt more and more sure that she had found an individual best friend of her own, and as such, she let off a cloud of smoke through her funnel. Then as she and Edward continued along the line together, she fell into a little daydream of little things she imagined she and Edward would do if only they could. She imagined herself and Edward in a photograph booth, saying "Cheese," together and chortling along the way to the different photographs taken of them. One with Emily giving an eager stare to Edward while he smiled back. A second one of Emily closing her eyes with a laugh while Edward seemed to only smile halfway. And third one of Emily making one of her funny faces while Edward seemed to laugh.

Then the little vision merged to a scene of winter where Emily and Edward seemed to be in an open field of snow with a pile of snowballs beside both of them. Then Emily gasped as she looked and saw a snowball coming her way as it hit just over the handrail of her smokebox. As the snow powdered away on her face, she and Edward laughed merrily together.

Then the little vision changed once more to a fairground ride that looked very much like the load Philip was taking to Tidmouth Town Square...with giant buckets and spades. The ride spun round and round, and Emily and Edward were side by side in one of the seats with neither of their tenders, spinning round and round, faster and faster and laughing together all the way, until...

"Okay, Emily. You can let go now," came a voice Emily didn't expect to hear.

"Huh?" In that moment, Emily fell out of her little daydream and looked around.

"Emily?" came the voice again. She looked up and saw that she and Edward had arrived at the Scrapyards.

"Oh. Hi, Reg," she greeted as she backed up from Edward's train, then huffed merrily alongside him. "What job shall we do next, Edward? Or should I say best friend?"

Edward almost responded, but that's when Philip came rolling along, having found Emily...and having heard what Emily had just said. After Emily's little talk with him earlier, he was puzzled and worried. Then as two other engines came toward Emily and Edward, confusion and competition began circling among the surrounding area.

"Best friend? I thought I was your best friend," Philip said to Emily.

"Excuse me!" came Marion's voice as she rolled up beside Emily. "I'M Emily's best friend!"

Then Henry came whistling in behind Marion, making Emily anxious. "You can't be her best friend! I am!"

"But none of you are. I am!" Edward put in.

With each engine that spoke after the next, Emily felt more and more insecure, and she suddenly realized that she had weaved herself into a tricky situation. She was so busy trying to find a best friend, she ended up approaching too many engines to be her best friend. This made her feel indecision and impasse for a second or two, then she suddenly thought on the fly.

"Oh, wha-Teh! You're...all my best friends?" Emily asked, smiling nervously.

"Well, we can't wait for you to decide now," said Philip. "We're late for the grand unveiling of the sand sculpture!"

And Philip rushed back down the line, while Marion, Edward and Henry set off for Tidmouth too. But it was also in that moment, when Emily suddenly remembered, and she became much alarmed.

"Sand sculpture?" she thought. Then gasped. "Oh, no!"

With a whistle of alarm and worry, Emily rushed away back to Brendam Docks, no longer thinking about who her best friend could be. She could now see her situation had just gotten trickier. She had forgotten all about her sand delivery and if her sand trucks were gone, then the sand sculpture would surely be cancelled, and it would be all upon her.

"Oh, no! Oh, no!" she cried. "What a silly engine I've been! Whatever was I thinking? And...oh-ho! Ohh, how will I ever tell the Fat Controller?"

Over the next few minutes, Emily rushed along the line with a pounding heart as she hoped desperately that she could make up for lost time, but when she returned to Brendam and the very siding she had gone to before, the sand trucks were gone! Her initial fears had come true.

"My sand trucks! Where are they?" she worried. "There can't be a sand sculpture without any sand! Oh! The Fat Controller's gonna be so upset with me!"

And Emily rushed off to Tidmouth Town Square, feeling very silly for all that she had done. She felt for sure that the whole event would fall apart all because she had gone on a wild goose chase to find a best friend rather than doing her job. She already began putting together a whole line of apologies and condolences for her silliness...but little did Emily know just what a good friend had done for her regarding her sand trucks...and something else that would be truly meaningful and heartfelt for Emily to learn...

By this time, at Tidmouth Town Square, Thomas, Percy, Nia and James were lined up on one line. And on the other line, Emily's "best friends," Philip, Henry, Edward and Marion were lined up together. The funfair was just about ready to be declared open, and all the engines thought it looked wonderful.

"Well. Look at this, everyone!" said the Fat Controller. "After that flood...this is spectacular! I'm so glad this is the celebration we put together!"

"Indeed, it is, sir!" Percy whistled happily.

"There's my fairground ride all set for the children!" Philip gleamed.

"Yes. It looks like really good fun," said Thomas. "But it would be much more fun if Emily were here..."

This made the Fat Controller look to Thomas. Philip, Henry, Edward and Marion all looked to Thomas too as they all remembered seeing Emily...and perhaps they could figure out a little more after their little tricky situation with Emily.

"Speaking of which...did you find, Emily, Philip?" the Fat Controller asked.

"Actually, I did, sir," said Philip.

"We all did," said Edward, Henry and Marion.

Thomas suddenly looked to the four engines on the other line. What was going on? "You...you did? Well...how is she?"

"You all saw her?" said the Fat Controller. "Well...what happened?"

"Well...I found her just when I heard her say Edward is her best friend," said Philip.

"Edward?" said Thomas and the Fat Controller together.

This made Edward, Henry and Marion all look toward Thomas as they began to suspect a few more things.

"What the...What is Philip talking about, Edward?" Thomas asked.

"I don't know, Thomas," said Edward. "Emily came to help me with my load of scrap. But then Philip showed up."

"Then I showed up," said Marion. "I said that I was Emily's best friend. She had told me herself."

"But she also told me that," said Henry. "At Brendam Docks, she offered me to help her with her load of sand, but she didn't need help with such a small load...and to that little mix-up, Emily decided to say we're all her best friends."

"Then I told her we couldn't wait for her to decide, since we'd be late for the grand unveiling," said Philip.

"And of course, earlier today, Percy and I saw she was gone, so I brought the sand here for her," said Thomas. "It seems she was looking for a best friend of her own today...quite interesting, and ironic as none of us ever considered that thought in deep detail...until now."

"I see. Well, well, well," said the Fat Controller. "This is indeed a tricky-sounding situation. But you know...I think it's all becoming clear on what to do. Now that you four have told me all of this, I think I know what we all need to do when Emily gets here...she must have realized by now that she forgot her sand trucks...and I think I need a certain word with her, depending on what she tells us all. But for now, let's make her feel very welcomed whenever she comes along."

"Yes, sir," the engines all said together.

And with that, within ten minutes, the Mayor of Sodor made the announcement.

"Ladies, gentlemen and engines. We've waited, we've wondered, and now in light of the passing of the massive flood at Tidmouth Sheds, I declare this fairground at Tidmouth Town Square open!"

And with that, the whole celebration began. For about twenty minutes, everyone was in absolute harmony. The fairground ride had been fully installed and was in action right away with several children and grownups alike riding on it. Children were being served ice cream from the refreshment stand and there were balloons everywhere. All the engines had to agree it was a grand site. Then as several visitors approached the big red curtain and started taking photographs, the engines began to feel excited over just what this sand sculpture would be like once that curtain opened...and what Emily would be thinking and feeling about everything...and how she'd be feeling since she left the trucks behind.

And then, as Sir Robert Norramby stepped up to present the unveiling, after waiting and wondering where she was, and how she was feeling...all the engines heard Emily's whistle right behind Thomas. When Emily pulled in, she had been worrying for the whole journey, and as she saw all the cheering, happy visitors, she thought it would only get worse after she left behind the sand. Thomas looked back and could hear the worry in her voice.

"Thomas! I lost the sand! The sculpture won't be finished! It's going to be a disaster!" she almost sobbed.

"No, it won't," Thomas tuned back to her.

Thomas didn't feel bad over how worried she sounded, as he knew that her mood would change in only seconds. But Emily was still frightened and ashamed as she shut her eyes, waiting for the Town Square to erupt with disappointment.

"So without further ado," said Sir Robert. "I present the Tidmouth Sand Sculpture!"

And in that moment, swiftly and grandly, the crimson curtain rolled back for everyone to see. Everyone cheered, and the engines whistled in turn. And the Fat Controller smiled, giving a secret little glimpse to Emily. Emily heard the cheers and slowly opened one eye just a little, expecting there to be nothing...but what then met her eyes? A vast, impressive, well-structured sculpture...of the Steam Team! The sand had been delivered and the sculpture was finished. But why and how, Emily thought and puzzled after falling into such a tricky situation.

"What? But...how...?" she asked, utterly puzzled.

"I saw you left your trucks at the Docks. So I brought them here," said Thomas.

As soon as Emily heard this, she felt all her fears wash out of her boiler and she felt her heart shimmer with such gratitude.

"Oh...thank you, Thomas! You really are a good friend," she gushed so happily.

"Well...we all are," said Thomas. "Aren't we?"

"That's right! Indeed! Yes, we are!" the other engines replied and whistled alike.

"Ohh. I'm sorry, everyone," said Emily. "I was so busy trying to find a best friend, I didn't realize I was surrounded by them all along."

And so Emily finally felt better and smiled as she took another look at the sculpture. Such detail and precision it had. On the upper half, she saw Nia, Rebecca and Percy side by side. Then on the bottom aspect, she saw Gordon, herself, Thomas and James...and when she saw that she herself was right beside Thomas, her heart jumped and swelled with such delight. The day turned out much better for her than when it started out...and now she was very sure she'd have to explain everything to all the engines she had to.

Thomas, Percy, Philip, Edward, Henry and Marion all knew this too as they looked at Emily's smile...and while they all thought silently on what to put together to fully understand everything, the Fat Controller was secretly putting together one more little plan that would surely help Emily come about all the way when it came to what she had been worrying about all through the day.

At last, after about three hours of such good fun at the funfair and sand sculpture, all the visitors felt they were ready to go home, and the Fat Controller, Sir Robert and the Mayor of Sodor were all very pleased with what they had brought together to celebrate the aftermath of that flood. While the visitors all waited inside the Town Hall for Gordon and Rebecca to return, there was a little more to discuss among the other engines.

"Well done, Sir Topham," said the Mayor. "We have made so many on Sodor very happy today."

"Well, it was my deepest pleasure to participate in arranging this with you, sir," said the Fat Controller.

"And indeed, such a fine sculpture we have here now," Sir Robert added.

"We all agree, sir Robert," said Thomas. "It captures all the Steam Team perfectly."

"Indeed it does," said the Fat Controller. "Nia, Rebecca and Percy...Gordon, Thomas, James...and right there in the middle...Emily."

This made Emily's heart rush as she looked up and saw the Fat Controller walking toward her. The other engines watched this too and suddenly realized that the explaining and clarifying would now begin. Everyone watched as the Fat Controller stopped right beside Emily and looked at her curiously.

"Well, everyone," said the Fat Controller. "It seems that we all have the matter of best friends to discuss. Particularly with you, Emily."

Emily's cheeks turned a little red as she still felt a little silly, but she plucked up the nerve and the red faded away from her cheeks.

"Yes...sir," she answered a little submissively. "That's...that's what I've been thinking about all day...a best friend of my own."

"Indeed. Well, Emily...I knew a few things for a while already," said the Fat Controller. "I know that Thomas brought your sand here. I saw him come here with Percy myself...and I've begun to hear as to why you left those trucks behind. While I don't fully approve of you leaving your trucks behind, Thomas was indeed a good friend to bring them here for you...while you, as I've heard, were looking for your very own best friend."

"Yes, sir...that's all very true...and I think I'd better explain everything to you from the beginning," said Emily.

"Indeed. You all must," said the Fat Controller. "Therefore, we must all head back to Knapford Station. Gordon and Rebecca will have to come through here to bring the passengers home, so we'd best be on our way. Then we'll see just what this best friend business is all about, Emily."

And with that, the Fat Controller got onboard Emily. Then, taking care to proceed safely, all the engines made their way out of Tidmouth Town Square, with some of them taking different tracks to clear the way for Gordon and Rebecca. But Thomas and Emily stuck together all the way home.

About an hour passed. Gordon and Rebecca returned to Town Square and brought all the passengers back to Knapford Station...while all the other engines gathered for the sculpture made their ways back to Knapford Station.

After about an hour, the day was slowly turning into evening...and Emily came huffing backwards through Knapford Station and into the yards. She had briefly turned around on the Tidmouth Sheds turntable so as to be facing the right way for the other engines who would soon gather with her...and she was facing the right way for a certain visit the Fat Controller was putting together for her. The Fat Controller came down from her cab, came up to her bufferbeam and simply looked at her in silence. Emily could tell she had a lot to say and put together, as did the other engines who would be gathering here.

Then soon enough, Emily looked up and saw all the engines arriving at all the station platforms. Thomas came by Platform 1, facing her on her line. Percy at Platform 2, then at Platforms 3 through 6, Philip, Edward, Henry and Marion all gathered together. James and Nia were told to return to the sheds as they'd find everything out later on. Right now, Emily had everyone she needed, and all the engines could now start clarifying this tricky situation, and help Emily get a clearer view on which engines were what sorts of friends to her.

"Well..." said Emily. "Hello again...all of you...all my best friends..."

"Well, we're all friends, that much is certain, Emily," said Thomas. "But now, the time has come for us to sort this whole thing out."

"Indeed, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "Now, Emily...seeing as this subject of best friends started with you, I'd like you to tell us all your side of the story first. Please tell us why and how you thought of the other engines here as your best friends."

Emily looked to all six engines gathered together. The looks in all their eyes were dependant, curious and provocative. Emily could tell there was a lot to clear up, but she felt ready to bring everything forward. And so she did.

"Alright, sir...here it all is. This sensation of a best friend started last night. After two days of being free from that flood at Tidmouth Sheds, we were all so happy and so excited to put this whole celebration together...and you said we'd all be working together, sir. That made Thomas think that he'd possibly be working with me today."

"Which, of course, didn't happen," said Thomas. "I was put to work with Percy, my best friend."

"It was the 'best friend,' that caught my ears," said Emily. "And when all the engines fell asleep last night, I thought a little more about it. Hearing the term 'best friend,' made something within me stir. I didn't know why at first, but then I realized that because the flood was over, I could articulate my own thoughts more clearly...then it suddenly clicked in me...that I've never had a best friend of my own."

All the engines seemed a little puzzled and perplexed by what Emily had said. Even the Fat Controller was puzzled.

"Now why in the world would you think you've never had a best friend, Emily?" he asked. "Wouldn't the answer be Thomas in a finger-snap?"

"Well...yes," said Emily. "That became the case when he saved me from those four and half years of sheer agony and pain under Gordon and James. And so from that time onward, he was indeed my best friend...until that aspect glorified and beatified all the way to the pure love he and I always hold together in, and as we always shall forever."

"Yes, Emily," said Thomas. "That is very, very true."

"Therefore, sir," said Emily. "Thomas went from being my best friend...to being the love of my life and my soulmate as it were. A truly wonderful thing to have in my life, but that night, I suddenly felt like my best friend aspect was an empty void, and that I didn't have a best friend of my own to simply have fun with, play with and work with if Thomas and Percy are too busy. I began whispering about best friends for a little bit until I fell asleep...and as you might have found out...Thomas heard me in the night. Then when you came this morning, sir...and gave us all our jobs, I was hoping to work in a pair myself, maybe say with Thomas or Percy, or any engine for that matter...but then when I heard you address Thomas and Percy as best friends while they raced to the Docks, it made me think how it would be fun to have a best friend to do my job with too."

"Hmm. I see, I see," said the Fat Controller. "But then I heard from all four engines here what happened between you and them, Emily. Would you care to tell me just what happened, and how?"

"Well, I set off for the day," said Emily. "And I thinking and pondering over who could be my best friend...until I saw Philip with the fairground ride. I thought that perhaps he could come with me to collect the sand from Brendam...I said he could be my best friend."

"She did, sir," said Philip. "And I was very happy to hear her tell me that...but I was too busy, so I had to keep on with my work. But I promised Emily I'd see her at the unveiling of the sculpture."

"I was disappointed," said Emily. "I then came back here and saw Gordon and Rebecca go on their way with the passengers. They whistled hello to me, but I still wasn't happy. I easily know that Gordon can't be a best friend of mine...partly due to his history with James and me."

"Of course, Emily," said the Fat Controller.

"And Rebecca...she's such a sunny, friendly engine, but she was already paired up with Gordon as the love of his life...so I then decided to make my way to Brendam to collect the sand. After all, Thomas and Percy were there, and I thought that maybe they could help me...but on the way, I ran into Marion digging alongside the line...where she and I played her little guessing game."

"Oh! She did, sir," Marion chimed. "Guess what's in my shovel...and to that, Emily said we were two best friends playing the guessing game. She invited me to come with me to Brendam, but I was also too busy...although I did tell her I'd see her at the unveiling...as my best friend."

"Did you, now?" said the Fat Controller.

"Yes, sir. She did," said Emily. "But I still didn't have her working with me. Then I saw James and Nia huff along with their load of iron. I know James can't be any best friend of mine either...because we know why. As for Nia, she's a wonderful engine too, everyone. I'll always remember when I took the Sodor Rangers camping and derailed with that tree. Then Nia and I camped out for the night with the Rangers...and David of course. That was really good fun."

When the Fat Controller heard Emily mention David, he suddenly smiled to himself.

"So...you ran into Philip and Marion and declared them to be your best friends," said Thomas. "Then what happened, Emily?"

"Well, I could see I would only be doing the work by myself. I went to Brendam and gathered the sand, feeling quite like how I did when I wanted an exciting delivery...and I got to save the world as it were. But I didn't want any exciting delivery. All I wanted was a unique and individual best friend all for myself...and that very image met my eyes when I saw you, Thomas...and Percy, shunting and playing together."

Thomas and Percy gasped as their sensations were now completely confirmed.

"Ahh...so THAT'S why you looked a little forlorn?" Thomas discovered. "Because Percy and I are best friends...and you were working alone."

Emily sighed.

"Yes, Thomas. That's right. But then, as soon as you and Percy went back to shunting, Henry came by. I briefly remembered what he and I have done together. I helped him with his leaky tubes, and to the Steamworks when we were thinking of meeting Stephen, he helped repair Black Loch after that terrible storm, I worked with him while avoiding Thomas' lips for three whole weeks...then he helped me to the Steamworks for my washout after David and I fell drunk at Maron. As such, I invited him to help his 'best friend,' Emily to take the sand with me."

"I had to admit, I was flattered, sir," said Henry. "I remember the things Emily and I have done together, but I knew she didn't need my help with such a small load. But I promised I would see her at the unveiling too...as my best friend."

"And then, that's when I saw Edward," said Emily. "It seemed that there was finally an engine who looked like he could use some help. And I think the answers surrounding you, Edward. We haven't done much over the years, but you're the one who saw my relationship with Thomas sooner and deeper than either of us did until it flourished all the way. You comforted me when Thomas went missing on Misty Island, you helped him vanquish his inner demon, and you helped me feel strong when Thomas was travelling on his first big adventure...when you left Tidmouth Sheds for the last time. That's why I decided to come help you as your best friend...and I left my trucks behind."

"Wow...you were really thinking about all of us, weren't you, Emily?" said Edward. "You feel deeply for all of us."

Emily gave a little nod. Then Thomas spoke up.

"Yes...I remember now! Percy and I came back from shunting about ten minutes after we saw Emily, but I saw that her trucks were still there."

"That's when we thought back to why she seemed forlorn," said Percy.

"Then I remembered what I faintly heard last night," said Thomas. "I heard you whispering to yourself about best friends, Emily."

Emily gasped lightly. "You...you did, Thomas?"

"Yes, Emily," said Thomas. "I was too tired to think much about it before...but then I began to put a few pieces together and realized that none of us have given a moment's thought to you having a best friend or not. I can't believe that all this time has gone by...but Sodor works in extraordinary ways. Either way, I didn't want to see you get in trouble...so as I told you at the parade, I brought your trucks there for you, Emily."

"So...you began to wonder if I was really looking for a best friend?" Emily asked.

"Of course, Emily," said Thomas. "I knew that we'd have to talk to you about this once we had the time. Now we do. I brought the sand to the Town Square and everyone else was there, except Edward, Henry and you. The funfair looked amazing, but I was wondering where you would be, Emily...then Sir Topham Hatt noticed I had your sand."

"I did," said the Fat Controller. "Then Thomas told me a little about what he heard last night and what he began to suspect."

"And that's when I let out that I was Emily's best friend and that I probably had to go looking for her," said Philip.

"Yes, Emily," said Thomas. "Sir Topham Hatt sent Philip to fid you and see what this was all about. And by then, I trust you were at the Scrapyards with Edward, delivering his load to Reg?"

"How did you know, Thomas?" Emily asked.

"Philip told us he saw you there when he came back...shortly before you came along," said Thomas.

"Emily and I had been working happily together right until we came to the scrapyard," said Edward.

"And I was actually having a little vision of Edward and I as best friends, taking photographs, playing in the snow, and even riding on the fairground ride...until I suggested working more with him as his best friend...and that's when I saw them all come by...and they heard me call Edward my best friend."

"Who, Emily?" the Fat Controller asked.

"Philip found me and thought that he was my best friend after I referred to him as such," said Emily. "But them Marion came along and said she was my best friend. Then Henry came from behind her, saying that's what he was. Then Edward concluded by saying he was my best friend."

"Oh, dear, oh, dear," said the Fat Controller. "This sounds like such a tricky situation, it's making me giddy!"

"Well, I felt giddy too, sir," said Emily. "I noticed that I had weaved up a tricky situation. Not wanting to offend any of the four engines, and not wanting to shortchange any of them either, I suggested that they're...all my best friends?"

"Well, we couldn't wait for her to decide then," said Philip. "Otherwise, we'd be late for the sculpture unveiling."

"And then...that's when I suddenly remembered," said Emily. "I rushed back to Brendam, feeling so silly with myself...and as I feared, the sand trucks were gone. I just knew there couldn't be a sand sculpture without any sand...and at the time, I knew you'd be cross with me, sir."

"Hmm...well, if Thomas hadn't been a good friend and brought the sand here for you...perhaps I would have been," said the Fat Controller.

"So...what did you do until I arrived?" Emily asked.

"Well, Emily. By that time, Edward, Marion and I rejoined Philip at the Town Square," said Henry. "Thomas once again said how the funfair would be wonderful if you were there...and that got Philip telling him about what happened between the five of us at Reg's Scrapyard."

"That's right, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "I heard everything they had to say at the time, and I had been wondering as to why you didn't show up with those sand trucks, since that was your job in the first place. But once I heard everything then, it began to come clear on just what to do. I was sure you'd have realized you forgotten sand...and depending on what you'd tell us, I decided I needed to have a word with you on this. We all did. But for that time being, I told the engines to all make you feel welcome when you came along...and so you did."

"Yes," said Emily. "Then I came along, feeling absolutely terrible. I thought the sculpture would be unfinished and it would be a disaster."

"And I knew it wouldn't be," said Thomas. "Sir Robert announced the unveiling, and there it was. The entire Steam Team in a lovely detailed and exquisite sculpture of sand. Absolutely lovely. Then as we all know, I told Emily how I noticed she left her trucks at the Docks, and I brought them for her."

"And so I finally realized right then and there," said Emily. "I was so busy trying to find a best friend of my very own...until I realized I've been surrounded by countless friends all along. And that is how my day turned out today. I worried over not having a best friend...and after you all helped me about of a tricky situation, I see I've been surrounded by best friends in my own way ever since I first came here...with all of you, here on the Island of Sodor...all my very dearest friends."

And there it was. The tricky situation was now clarified, cleared up and fully explained from all ends of the problem. Emily now felt strong and confident to have explained her feelings to all the engines, and Thomas, Percy, Philip, Edward, Henry and Marion were all pleased to hear the full clarity themselves. Now they felt for sure beyond any doubt that they were all friends to Emily in their own special ways...and now that everything had been cleared up, the Fat Controller could now enact his little plan. He looked directly at the emerald engine and began to smile.

"Well. I say now. Emily...thank you very much for telling us everything about what happened today and why. Of course, we all deserve to have friends. Good friends, special friends and best friends...and loved ones too, for the seven engine couples. You seem to have had an unusual day, Emily...but now that you've told us everything, this all works perfectly into my own little plan for you, Emily. If you'll excuse me, I have to make a certain phone call. I'll be back as soon as I can. In the meantime...take the time to talk...with your good, special and wonderful friends alike...but as for a best friend...well, just wait for me to come back."

And the Fat Controller walked right into his office and closed the door. Emily then looked up to all the engines as they all looked to her. They watched as Emily closed her eyes and began thinking more clearly to herself. Now that she had settled this little situation for sure, she began to think clearly and precisely about each engine that was here with her. From Thomas to Percy, to the four "best friends," she had found today. She thought about each individual engine, their personalities, their experience with her and what they all meant to her and each other. About ten minutes later, Emily's eyes opened again, and all the engines could see her beginning to smile very surely to them all as her eyes gently glimmered in the sun.

"Emily...what is it?" Thomas asked.

Emily slowly began coming forward toward Thomas, glimpsing her gaze to the other five engines until she stopped a few feet away from Thomas.

"Thank you for coming back with me," said Emily. "Today has been quite an unusual day for all of us. Especially me. I thought I didn't have an individual best friend of my own...and now I realize I've been surrounded by them all along...but you know, with all due respect, I think it is possible to have too many best friends. Therefore...I think now I have something to tell you all."

"What's that, Emily?" Thomas asked.

Emily looked up and smiled to all the engines.

"Well...You know, everyone," she said. "Today has been a tricky day for me. I thought I didn't have a best friend of my own, so I approached all the engines I could, trying to confide best friendship in them...and instead, I ended up with all of you being my best friends...but now that I've been able to think it over for a while longer, I think I can now distinguish what kind of friends you all are to me."

Thomas, Percy, Philip, Edward, Henry and Marion all looked at Emily and each other.

"And...how might that be, Emily?" Henry asked. "What sorts of friends are we all to you?"

"Good friends? Special friends?" Philip asked.

"We'll all be the best friends we can for you...but what do you truly think of all of us?" asked Marion.

Emily took a deep breath and sighed contently, smiling to all the engines. Then she slowly came toward Thomas, buffering right up to him and touching her nose to his. Everyone watched as she leaned in closer and touched her cheeks to his.

"You, Thomas...my handsome cobalt star," Emily stated dreamily. "As we all know perfectly well, you're the true love of my life, as it always has been and will remain to be forever. You are my saviour, loyal love, protector and husband figure, and I love you more than anything in the whole world."

And Emily softly puckered her lips and kissed Thomas softly on his lips for about a minute until she softly let go. Then she switched to Platform 2 and buffered up to Percy next, touching her buffers to his and cuddling him with her cheeks. Then she leaned left and right, rubbing her nose to his.

"You, Percy...my cute, innocent and adorable baby," Emily crooned softly. "You're such a cute, cheerful and adorable little chap. You have such exuberance and playfulness I can't recall seeing in any other engine. You've idolized me as a mother figure for so many years now, as it will continue to be, and I idolize you just the same. I love you, my sweet little baby."

And she pressed her lips to Percy's cheek and gave him a big kiss which made him giggle adorably. Emily then backed up and looked to the other four engines.

"Now...as for the rest of you. Philip, Edward, Henry, and Marion?" said Emily. "You're all wonderful engines too. Edward, you're so wise, kind and sensible to all of us. You saw my relationship with Thomas sooner and deeper than either of us did until it came out in all its beauty and joy, and you're been such a kind friend to all of us. Henry, you and I have shared some notable experiences together over the years, helping each other when we broke down and such. Philip, you're a very kind, chipper little box cab, and you're a very fine little lad for all of us to enjoy. And Marion. We may not have done very much together, but you have such a sunny outlook every day, making everyone around you feel chipper as they work right along with you. And for all of that, I believe it's right to say, you four are all my very good friends."

Philip, Edward, Henry and Marion all looked to each other, smiling and agreeing with everything Emily had just told them. This was exactly what they could have hoped for. To have a clear, uncompromised, unrushed point of view as to how Emily thought and felt for these engines made them all feel most content and happy for their emerald friend.

"Well...thank you so much, Emily," said Philip. "That sounds lovely indeed."

"You're so very kind, Emily. Just like me," said Edward. "I'm very honoured to have done all that I have for you and Thomas."

"And indeed, Emily, you're a very good friend," said Henry. "I still remember the times you and I have helped each other out, and I think we share similar sensations of peace. Especially for nature. I have my forest, you have Black Loch."

"I think you're right, Henry," said Emily. "So, everyone. You are all wonderful friends for me, and I adore you all for what useful and friendly engines you all are. Thank you."

"You're always welcome, Emily. From all of us," said Thomas. "But...I think you still deserve a best friend of your own...maybe it doesn't need to be an engine. Perhaps there's someone you can think of...I know you can, Emily."

"Hmm," said Emily. "I hadn't yet thought of that...perhaps the more I think about it...if I absolutely had to pick a best friend..."

Before Emily could finish her sentence, the Fat Controller came out of his office. All the engines looked as they saw him looking right at Emily again.

"Sir? What is it?" Emily asked.

"Emily...I've finished my phone call," said the Fat Controller. "David is waiting for you. Now go."

And without another word, he returned to his office. Suddenly, Emily felt as though she had butterflies in her boiler again. She was very sure that the Fat Controller had been in there all this time telling David all about her day...and now she was expected to be there for him. Emily could feel a certain tingle creeping through her boiler and right to her heart as she visibly shuddered and chortled to herself.

"Everyone...Thomas, Percy...Philip, Edward, Henry, Marion," she said purely and gently. "I...I think I'm getting my answer for my very own best friend at last..."

"Emily's best friend..." Thomas breathed. Just before he or any of the engines could speak who they were very sure it was, Emily spoke.

"I...I think...I'd better head to Arlesburgh now. Thank you all, all my amazing, lovely, wonderful friends. I'll see you later, Thomas and Percy."

She blew a kiss to both tank engines, then a wink to the other four engines. Then Emily whistled surely, switched to the right line, and set off on her way, feeling a new steady assurance glowing in her boiler now. All the engines watched her leave, and Thomas and Percy in particular felt like something very heartfelt and meaningful would come along for Emily...and whoever Thomas and Percy's guess was...which would turn out to be perfectly true.

Emily made her way along the line with a jiggly heart. She could feel her new sensations glowing more and more in her boiler. She had now gained assurance from the other engines when it came to what sorts of friends they were to her, but she still had yet to confirm her one and only best friend of her very own...and she was very sure as to who it could be...once she through it all out and came to that very realization.

Emily made her way into Arlesburgh with wobbly wheels and shaky axles as she began breathing quickly and a little unevenly, but not out of fear. Rather of anticipation and bubbling pretences. She had now established which engines were what sorts of friends to her. She now had a steady sense of clarity on how her terms of friendship really seemed to work. There was just one more thing left to do to settle the aspect of a best friend which she now had a very strong feeling about.

After just a few minutes of jittery huffing and puffing through Arlesburgh, Emily looked up, and there it was. David Rider's house, right beside the line. She swallowed hard to herself and felt her heart begin to race with even more anticipation. Then as soon as she stopped right beside the house, she saw the door open, and out came David, wearing his full regalia again except for his Captain's hat, right down to his naval cutlass. Emily saw his expression and could tell he had put a lot of things together himself. When he shut the door and saw his engine right there, he stayed very still for a few moments. Emily waited for him to say something, and she wasn't sure what to say or do herself. Then David gave a little nod and slowly walked down toward his engine until he was right beside her.

"Hello, David," Emily said quietly, but surely. "I...I was told you were waiting for me...have...have you heard about my day today?"

To this, David didn't answer right away. After another moment, he deepened his look to Emily. Then he walked a few steps closer, right up to Emily, staring simply, but deeply into her eyes. Emily shut her eyes for a moment or two, then looked up again as her navy mentor broke the silence with an inquisitive, observant and provocative tone of voice.

"I've heard a great deal about you today, Emily. You worried and brooded over not having a best friend, approached the other engines out of mild desperation, left your sand trucks behind, potentially delayed the grand unveiling of the Tidmouth Sand Sculpture, weaved yourself into an unexpected and admittedly trivial situation, and...You have found yourself surrounded by best friends...as it has been all along."

Emily had heard everything and still felt a little silly that she had gone on a wild goose chase for a best friend when she was easily surrounded by best friends ever since she first came to Sodor...but with the subject of best friends still in the air, and after establishing which engines were the certain sorts of friends to her, she was ready to talk with her navy mentor...and very soon-to-be best friend, for real.

"Yes, David," she whispered. "It's true. And...I trust the Fat Controller called you and told you everything?"

"Indeed, he did," said David. "Sir Topham Hatt told me everything, Emily. I was not expecting to hear such a story about you today. I was too busy to attend the funfair, but no matter. The sand sculpture will still be there for a while yet. But your story today...it is quite interesting. I must admit, I never gave a moment's thought to this given fact. Among all the aspects, adventures and escapades that surround you and your friends...never before have any of us given a specific thought to you having a best friend of your own."

"Yes, David," said Emily. "I can't believe all these many years have gone by, and I never gave very serious thought to the prospect of having a best friend of my own."

As Emily looked down to her buffers and sighed quietly, this made David begin to put several pieces together in his head. He climbed onto Emily's running plate and sat down. Then he gently held her soft, warm cheek and petted it softly. This made Emily look up again and she saw David looking even deeper into her eyes.

"Well...you know, Emily...as I've heard from the Fat Controller about your day today...I think it's fair to acknowledge a certain fact about this given matter. Your search for a best friend is interesting, encouraging, and even provocative. While all the other engines are your friends for the sake of...well, being friends, it is fair to acknowledge that you've never had a specific or technical 'best,' friend of your own. There's Thomas and Percy, of course. Gordon and Rebecca, Edward and Philip and what have you. You, of course have Thomas as the love of your life, Percy as your loving son figure, and Donald and Douglas as your faithful brother figures."

"Yes...those are all my deepest, personal relationships with them," said Emily. "I've also distinguished exactly who the other engines are like to me. Philip, Marion, Henry and Edward, who I all ran into and declared my best friends...I see them as very good friends with all their own strengths in character toward me. Today's events have encouraged me to establish between a good friend, a special friend, and a loved one...but a best friend...I still think that's another matter. Thomas and Percy are best friends, Edward and Philip are best friends, being shed mates of course, Gordon and Rebecca are bonded together by love, as are all the rest of the engine couples...but now that this unusual day is over, and everything has been solved...I think I'm just about to get the clearest answer I could hope for. All I need is to think."

To this, David held onto his silver charm and rubbed it between his fingers as he thought of something he could to.

"Well, Emily...if you need to think a little more...I think I know just what you need," said Emily.

"What's that, David?" Emily asked.

"Taking everything into consideration...taking in how you view all the engines as family figures and good friends...I must ask you this question, Emily. Pay attention not only to my question...but the one who asks you this very question."

"Yes, David...I'm listening," said Emily.

David watched Emily for a moment. Then she blinked. David then held his breath for a moment. Then he asked.

"Who's your best friend?"

Emily heard the words as clear as clear could be. She stared as clearly as her eyes could stare to the very person who asked this question. Then she closed her eyes and thought and thought to herself, humming quietly. She thought once more to all the engines and her little experience with them...but then she shut out all those thoughts that caused her tricky situation. For a few minutes more, she focused only on her thoughts about David, articulating and piecing everything together with every aspect of his life he had shared with her on Sodor. After about ten minutes, Emily's eyes opened, and David saw them widen a little, then slowly look in his direction. A very warm, wholesome glow began to fill Emily's heart as she suddenly came to realize something she should have seen quite a few years ago...but now she saw it in the best way she could imagine.

Emily's eyes shimmered gently and she spoke very softly and purely, with such a glowing smile. Her voice sounded like the most beautiful woman, angel and goddess there ever could be heard.

"Oh...oh, my goodness. David...my Navy friend. I think I've figured it out at last. I should have seen it so much earlier. All the engines are wonderful to me. Most especially Thomas my cobalt star, and Percy, my adorable son figure. I have so many good friends...but now, if I absolutely had to choose a best friend of my very own...it's...y...you. You are my true best friend, David."

David's eyes blinked and he began breathing very slowly as Emily began her best friend statement, her voice shining and sounding with such peace and assurance.

"Right from my very first dream of you, when Thomas first ever heard me snoring so beautifully...right from that first dream, when I saw your physical form and learned who you are, I felt as though things would begin to change for me forever. I remembered how your father had been my driver for the first seven years of my life, then the Fat Controller bought me and brought me here. I went through all my adventures on Sodor with Thomas and all the engines...then came that day when your father came back to visit me...then he was so tragically taken away from me. Then after Sailor John's final defeat, I sent a letter to you, hoping you would come for me...and you did, David. After everything you and I have been through together since you first came here in Lawrence's stead. You and I bonded together over the passing months. Thomas left for his first adventure, and you and I saw your father come before us and encourage you to each out the island to find more happiness and meaning here. Then I helped you see past your hate for Donald and Douglas, then came the day I nearly lost you when you were almost swept over by that waterfall, and I saved you. Then Thomas came back and you and I got to see Donald and Douglas be made so happy with the Hogmanay Celebration."

David began to slowly smile too as Emily spoke onwards and forwards.

"Then when Thomas left again, you gave me those roses for Valentines' Day, I shared my 'Warbling Whistle,' story with you. When Thomas came back, you and I shared a laugh over his steaming hams. Then you saw me as a Chocolate Emerald...I helped save the Sea Emperor from those thieves, you ensured I could satisfy Thomas' King Fantasies, you made me feel fairly happy that Christmas without Thomas...then you rushed to my defense and guardianship when the Fat Controller was cruel to be kind to me, Thomas and I had our whole year together again, then came the fire at Christmas where you helped save that couple from their burning home, then you gave them lodgings in your home until they could restore their house...then after Diesel 10's rumours for revenge circled about, and after the Steam Team Rescue, you became worried and concerned for my well-being, giving me a heartfelt talk in the night...then you joined Nia and I for the Rangers' Camp in the night."

"And then..." David began.

"And then came our biggest, most unforgettable adventure together. An adventure you gave me, Captain David Rider. My first big adventure ever. Sailing with you on the Sea Emperor, travelling through Bristol, London, the whole Great Northern Railway all the way to York, where I got to see my loving brother Bernard again. We searched far and wide all throughout England and Scotland. Even when things became bad with Class 40, finding your home empty and vacated, even when we parted ways, in the midst of that distraught fog, I still held onto some little sense of faith hat we would make it in the end...and we did, David. We found your mother and brought her home together."

"Aye, Emily...my beautiful emerald engine. My engine, by the Rider bloodline," David murmured as Emily went on.

"Then after that, Percy and I found you and Beatrice in Knapford Sheds on that dark and stormy night, where we heard about your brave and valiant uprising against the North Wind. And now, this year, we participated in Burns Night with Donald and Douglas, we helped Percy figure out his long distance Valentines...then when Percy's sprits got so terribly crushed, we all teamed together to help him. You and I fell drunk at Maron Station...but it happened with us being together. We went through it and we came out alright. Then...when Thomas had his nightmare of me dying at Sailor John's hands, we re-assessed our husband and wife position...and you personally dubbed us the true emerald angel and cobalt star...then when George caused such anger, frustration and even chaos to Gina and I, you fought so hard to get him banished...and you did it, David!"

David thought to himself that Emily was coming to her conclusion very soon as he smiled more.

"Then we all discovered the Love Tree together, and you and Beatrice got to see it. Then after Gina left for Italy again and Thomas became my scoundrel...you assured me that there would be a full moon, and I couldn't be more proud of what you ultimately helped bring about for Thomas and I that night. Then, of course, you got the honours of washing me with that most amazing-smelling Fragrance of Beauty...and the latest in, in the midst of the Tidmouth Flood, you came and visited us all...and that is all that you and I have done together, interacted with about, or simply participated in over all this time. You are such an amazing young man, David. Such a diligent, resourceful and brave sailor you were for the Navy, flushing out Sailor John, becoming captain of your own ship then finding your way here to Sodor...then to your father's engine. YOUR engine. You are one of the greatest things that has ever come into my life alongside Thomas, Percy and all I have achieved here...and after today's events and bringing everything today together, it's all perfectly clear to me. Captain David Rider, son of Lawrence Rider and Captain of the Sea Emperor...you are truly my best friend...and I'm so very happy to have you such as that. Thank you."

And with that, Emily was finished. She had found out for herself and stated here and now that David, her navy mentor and faithful Navy friend was her true best friend on Sodor. David had heard everything and couldn't be more proud and happy to have heard everything Emily had brought together. He and Emily had come a long way between themselves, and this was such a revelation for Emily to have when it came to having a best friend. Although he already knew the answer, David still asked the question.

"Emily...do...do you really mean that? Am I truly your best friend?"

"Yes, David. Yes in every last meaning of the word, my navy friend," Emily gleamed. "You are my true best friend, and I am very, very happy to be able to tell you that. Are you happy, David? Is this a worthy gift and honour for the true greatest sailor in the whole of Britain?"

David's expression became solid and definitive. He stood up on Emily's running plate, turned around to face her, then kneeled on Emily's running plate as he petted her cheek again, feeling her warm and soft skin warming the palm of his hand, while Emily's lips slowly curved upward into a smile. Then David trailed downward and gave Emily's chin a little twiddle with his finger. Then he held her cheek and gave her such a true kiss which made Emily breath in then hum softly. Then when David let go, he gushed through a wholesome, pure whisper.

"The greatest gift and honour...is having you for my engine. I'd heard notable stories about you and Thomas before I went into the Navy. But ever since I first met you with my own two eyes, I knew you were no ordinary engine like many others on Sodor. I knew that you were something else entirely, Emily. You and I started off fairly well together that first autumn and winter...then came the following Spring when Thomas went to travel the whole world at last, visiting every continent an engine could ever touch upon. My father came to me and told me to reach out to the rest of Sodor, which I did...after I had to face my anger and revenge against Donald and Douglas for what they had done to you that winter. You wouldn't let my anger go too far, and you helped me make two new friends. Everything else that followed. Me taking the plunge and you saving me, the Hogmanay Celebration, Valentine's Day, Warbling Whistles, the steamed hams, Thomas' chocolate emerald, saving the Sea Emperor, hearing about my 'Excellent Emily,' Every last element we ever shared and took part in together, I could never be more proud than I am to have shared all those experiences with you, Emily. Especially our adventure to find my mother. That is indeed the pinnacle of our life together so far."

"Indeed...my true best friend," said Emily. "That was a very grand adventure we shared in together...and everything else that followed between us was amazing too. Our life together is much more fantastic than I seem to remember every now and then...and to think back on all of it today...with you as my true best friend, it's absolutely amazing."

"The North Wind story, helping Percy through his crushed spirits...you and I falling drunk at Maron! Ohh! Dubbing you and Thomas the true emerald angel and cobalt star, I am so very proud of...and I flushed George out of Sodor for the better good of Sodor, and you, of course. And for all that we've done together and will continue to do together, you are my one, only and true best friend, Emily."

To this, Emily felt her heart jump and her lips curled upward into such a wholesome smile with all her lovely, white teeth. She felt her boiler bubbling so warmly and so purely, for at last, she had heard for herself what her true best friend thought of her. There was no more doubt, rushed thoughts or compromise in the very least. Emily knew the answer all too well herself, but she still felt the need to ask the words.

"Oh...David...my best friend...am...am I it? Am I truly your best, best friend on the Island of Sodor?"

To this, David looked as directly into Emily's eyes as he could...then smiled as he gently tapped the tip of her nose.

"Yes, Emily...you are," he said happily. "You're my true best friend too. As my father's engine, my engine...and my best friend...I love you, Emily."

And David spread out his arms and hugged Emily's face, feeling her wonderfully soft, warm skin on his face. Emily felt her heart tingle warmly and she hummed so happily as she shut her eyes and nuzzled sweetly into David's hug, purring and crooning so purely and happily.

"Aww...Davey..." Emily crooned softy as he let go. "Ohh...I've got a best friend. As my navy mentor...and my true best friend...I love you too, David."

And she slowly puckered her lips and leaned in toward David. Then her very soft, warm, creamy and cuddly lips softly pressed onto his entire cheek, and she gave him such a big, huge and gentle kiss, smooching her lips so softly and quietly as she did, tittering and giggling softly too as she softly let go and blushed happily to David.

"So you...are Emily's best friend," Emily stated. "Mine, and mine alone...my dear, special David."

"Aye, Emily...and you, my engine, are David's best friend. Mine and mine alone," David answered surely. "My dear sweet engine."

David and Emily smiled to each other for a while longer, feeling absolutely happy and immensely thankful for what they had both come to realize. What had started out as a rather bluesy day for Emily, worrying over not having a true best friend, landing herself in a tricky situation, then sorting everything out among the engines, that day had now turned into one of the most relevant and notable days she could ever look back on. And in that moment, they both felt the need to celebrate a little themselves.

"David...my best friend," Emily smiled. "What say you and I celebrate our own little joy? Tidmouth Town Square celebrated the end of the flood with their sand sculpture and the carnival. May two best friends celebrate together here and now?"

"Of course we may, Emily. My very best friend," David smiled.

In that moment, David and Emily both gave a smile of agreement and anticipation. They both felt a little spark of melody awaken in both of them. Both of them began to hum together, then they began to sing a little to each other, then louder and clearer, singing how they'd never forget their friendship together, and how they had done so much together, helping each other when in need, enjoying each other's company immensely and several more notable aspects of their friendship. They hummed, vocalized and sang together for a fair while...until they finished their song off together.

"Hip-hip-hooray, for the Captain and the Queen!
David and Em, best of friends forever!
With journeys we've explored,
Adventures galore!

Hip-hip-hooray!
Hip-hip-hooray!
Hip-hip-hooray for Emily-y-y-y!

And David too!"

"Hooray, David! My Navy mentor and best friend! You've made me the happiest engine today!" Emily whistled.

"As have you made me the happiest captain today, Emily," David smiled. "My emerald best friend!"

And with that, David hugged Emily's face even closer, kissing her cheek while he did, while Emily tittered and giggled so happily with her true and absolute best friend on into the evening, basking and glowing in such a warm and sacred spell of joy and surety. And so it was concluded. Emily had many different friends all over the Island of Sodor. Thomas, her cobalt star and forever husband figure. Percy, her adorable, cheerful son figure. Philip, Edward, Henry, and Marion as her good friends. Donald and Douglas as her loyal Scottish brother figures of course...and for her very own best friend, none other than her very own navy mentor himself, David Rider, Captain of the Sea Emperor and son of Lawrence Rider, Emily's first-ever driver, now passed onto his son, and so it would remain. It was indeed a happy day for Emily today. But in due course, there was more to be experienced for Thomas and Emily, briefly back by the Love Tree in Maithwaite Forest...and there was also a little fuzzy companion to be met and interacted with too.

---

So yeah, "Emily's Best Friend" is easily Emily's weakest episode since "Flatbeds of Fear", and the reason for that is because of how monotonous her episodes were becoming; as much as I adore "Emily Saves the World", "Best Engine Ever" and "Rangers of the Rails", they all share the same basic premise of Emily being depressed about not having much excitement in her life or feeling like she is inadequate compared to everyone else, and that was mostly all that the writers would do with her in her main episodes, and while I do like "Emily's Best Friend", it was the weakest episode Emily has gotten in years and the point where this problem really became the most apparent, and thankfully "Emily to the Rescue" adverted this issue entirely. Next time we're covering more Series 24 goodness with "Thomas' Fuzzy Friend", so look forward to that. Until next time, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.