Edward and Gordon

In Thomas' class at Knapford preschool, there was a student who was bigger than Thomas but smaller than the others. His name is Edward. Most of the other children in the class boasted about being asked to help out their driver and firemen friends with passenger runs. Edward hadn't been asked to help out for a long time, and he felt very sad because of it. Thomas noticed this and didn't like how the other students treated him.

THOMAS: Don't worry, Edward. I'm sure you'll get to be asked sooner or later.

EDWARD: Thanks, Thomas. I hope you're right…

Edward liked Thomas for being reassuring and kind, but he still felt miserable.

One day, Edward was on his way to preschool and he passed Knapford station. He often stopped to watch and admire the huge tender engines puffing in and out of the station with nice shiny coaches, taking passengers and bringing them to their stops and destinations. Edward sighed to himself.

EDWARD: I wish I could be helpful and really useful again…

Just then, a huge mixed-traffic engine pulled up on the platform. Charlie Sand, the driver, and the fireman, Sidney Heaver looked out from the engine's cab and saw Edward leaning against the wall and looking sad.

DRIVER: Hello, there. Why are you sad? What is your name, boy?

EDWARD: Edward, sir.

FIREMAN: Would you like to help us get ready for our passenger run?

Edward couldn't believe his ears! For the first time in months, he is being asked to help out by an engine's crew! He stared at the 2 men for several seconds, then smiled brightly.

EDWARD: Oh, yes please!

And so, Edward's dream had come true. He was being very helpful with backing the tender engine up to the coaches so carefully and gently. The shunter showed Edward how to couple up the engine to the coaches using his pole. And when the engine soon pulled up at Knapford station with the coaches, Edward waited for the guard to come to the brakecoach. The stationmaster held Edward high on his arms as the guard blew his whistle, and Edward waved the green flag. He was having a wonderful time!

When Edward arrived at preschool that day, all he could think about was how brilliant his day had been and wouldn't stop talking about it! Thomas was happy for his friend, the other kids weren't enjoying listening to Edward talk about his event all the time.

From that day on, Edward would always help his new driver and firemen friends out with getting ready for their passenger runs. Then, on one Saturday morning, Edward was given the chance to help pull the coaches throughout the whole journey from Knapford station and back again. He felt that this was one of the best days he had ever had in his life!

After preschool one day, Gordon was going for a ride on his bicycle. He was feeling very annoyed with how Edward kept on expressing his happiness and gratefulness for being very helpful again.

GORDON: When will he learn that other people need some quiet around here?!

He was still annoyed, but because it was a nice sunny day today and everything was peaceful, Gordon began to feel more calm over time. Eventually, he reached the bottom of a particularly steep hill.

GORDON: This hill isn't too steep for me, I shall climb over it!

Gordon sped up and soon began to go up the path on the hill. But the higher he got, the slower he seemed to go.

GORDON: Come on! Come on! I can do it! I can do it!

But Gordon began to feel exhausted and that he couldn't get over the top by himself. At last, halfway up the hill, he came to stop and couldn't pedal any further.

GORDON: Bother!

Meanwhile, Edward had left Knapford station after a good preparation run with his friends and decided to go for a peaceful walk along the path outside.

EDWARD: My, it's a lovely day today!

But when Edward approached the very steep hill, he was surprised to see Gordon struggling to ride over it and still stuck halfway.

EDWARD: That looks like Gordon. And he's in trouble! I must see what's wrong!

Edward ran over to the hill and climbed up it until he reached a very tired, and very cross Gordon.

EDWARD: Are you alright, Gordon?

GORDON: No, Edward. I'm not. As you can clearly see, I can't get over this hill by myself!

EDWARD: Would you like me to give you a push?

GORDON: How can you help me, Edward? You're only a small little child.

Edward paid no attention to Gordon's remark and just went behind him and got ready to push Gordon.

EDWARD: I'm ready!

GORDON: No good.

Edward pushed Gordon as hard as he could, and Gordon pedalled as hard as he could, but the wheels kept on slipping and they couldn't go forward.

GORDON: I can't do it! I can't do it!

EDWARD: I will do it! I will do it!

Edward breathed heavily and pushed Gordon with all his might. Then, the wheels began to grip on the stone path, and Gordon began to move upwards. Slowly and steadily, Edward pushed Gordon towards the top of the hill. At last, they reached the top, and Gordon could ride by himself again.

GORDON: Hooray! I've done it!

He was so excited that he forgot all about Edward and he didn't even stop to say thank you as he raced down the other side and went on his way again. Edward was so tired that he was out of breath.

EDWARD: …not even a thank you?

After lying on the grass for a few minutes and getting his energy back, Edward carried on towards his way home.

EDWARD: Oh well, at least it's nice to help out someone in need.

The next day, when Edward came to preschool, he was surprised to see the other students laughing and teasing Gordon. And when they saw him, they congratulated him.

THOMAS: You managed to help Gordon over the steepest hill on Sodor! How did you do it, Edward?

EDWARD: Well… I just used all my strength to help go over the hill. I wouldn't leave him stuck up there, would I Gordon?

Gordon said nothing. He was feeling embarrassed about needing help from Edward.

THOMAS: Also, we have decided to call that hill, Gordon's hill, because it's the one where he got stuck on!

EDWARD: Ha-ha! I like the sound of that!

From then on, Gordon began to try to not put down Edward because of his size and strength. He didn't want to get into another embarrassing situation anytime soon. As for Edward, he began to really enjoy himself and not only with his preparation schedules at Knapford, but also spending time with his good friends at Knapford preschool.