Trouble for Thomas
based on "Thomas and the trucks" by Rev. W. Awdry
At preschool, Thomas was sulking.
THOMAS: I'm tired of pushing coaches! I want to see the world!
The other students were getting tired of Thomas' constant complaining, but they still put up with it for some time. After preschool, Edward spoke to Thomas.
EDWARD: I know how you feel, Thomas. Here's an idea. I can ask my friends if I can shunt the coaches for you, and you can spend the day outside?
THOMAS: That's a great idea! Thank you, Edward.
So the next day, Edward's driver and fireman friends agreed to do shunting duties while Thomas enjoyed his day outside. Thomas decided that he would go for a nice run on his bicycle for his time.
THOMAS: It would build my strength, and be fun at the same time!
So Thomas went to his house. His father was a stationmaster at the Ffarquhar branch line. He was just getting ready for work when Thomas came inside.
MR. BILLINTON: Hey, kiddo. How was your day?
THOMAS: As good as always, dad. I'm going for a ride on my bicycle today.
MR. BILLINTON: Good idea, son. Just remember to be back by suppertime.
THOMAS: I will!
So he went out the front porch and got his bicycle from the wall of the house. Then he sat on it and began pedalling out into the path.
It was a nice sunny day. Some clouds drifted by, but there was no sign of rain anywhere. Thomas enjoyed the breeze he felt it rush past his face. He was thinking of the recent events he had gone through so far. Having been tricked by Gordon into running after him and accidentally leaving the coaches behind on his first ever passenger run.
THOMAS: I've made plenty of mistakes before, but hopefully I won't make anymore from now on!
He raced alongside the main line and waved to other passengers as he passed them at the stations. After a while, the path diverted him further away from the tracks and he was fully in the countryside once more. Presently, he reached the bottom of Gordon's hill.
Now, Thomas was heading for trouble. A group of naughty boys are known as the "troublesome trucks". They liked to cause mischief to other kids. So when they saw Thomas on his bicycle, heading to the top of Gordon's hill, they saw a good chance to have some fun.
While Thomas began to struggle climbing the steep hill, the troublesome trucks placed sticks, leaves and occasional small rocks on the path going downhill. Then they hid behind some bushes and waited. At last, with all his strength, Thomas made it all the way up and stopped to catch his breath. When he felt better, he began to go downhill and he took care to go slowly.
Then there was trouble. The wheels of his bicycle caught on the leaves the troublesome trucks had placed on the path, and began to slip, causing Thomas to suddenly increase his speed and go faster and faster. Thomas was worried. Then he saw sticks and rocks on the path in front of him! He swerved his bicycle this way and that, to avoid getting in an accident. And all the time he was going so fast, that he was having trouble gaining control. But when he reached the bottom of the hill again, he was still going so fast.
Then there was more trouble. The troublesome trucks positioned themselves not too far from both sides of the path and began throwing pine cones and twigs at him! Now Thomas was scared. He didn't want to get hit or worse, knocked off his bicycle. So he did whatever he could and managed to dodge every single shot the troublesome trucks took at him. He lifted himself off his seat, he ducked down, he twisted and turned, and then he pedalled as fast as he could. Finally, Thomas was a good distance away from the troublesome trucks and they were out of sight.
But Thomas' troubles weren't over yet! Ahead he could see a level crossing and the gates were closing! Thomas stopped pedalling and applied his brakes. He was getting closer and closer to the level crossing, so Thomas used all his strength. The bicycle groaned to a halt and he stopped, just in time. Thomas waited for a little while and caught his breath, as he watched the engine rush past with its coaches.
THOMAS: …I think I've had enough for one day…
Thomas cycled back home. He didn't want to risk getting attacked by the troublesome trucks again, so he took a different path that led to Knapford station and eventually on his usual path all the way to his house.
By now, it was evening, so Thomas parked his bicycle against the house and went to the front door.
THOMAS: Dad? You home?
MR. BILLINTON: Hey Thomas. Supper is ready for you in the kitchen. How was your day?
THOMAS: It was… interesting.
Thomas didn't want to tell his father about his run-in with the troublesome trucks because he didn't want him to get concerned. He didn't suffer any injuries from them anyway.
THOMAS: Hey, dad? When will mom return home?
MR. BILLINTON: Very soon, Thomas. Are you excited about having younger siblings?
THOMAS: Oh yes I am. I just miss her so much…
MR. BILLINTON: Come here, kiddo.
And they both hugged each other.
Thomas' mother was in the hospital. She was pregnant and expected to give birth to Thomas' new siblings very soon, indeed. After supper, Thomas said goodnight to his father and then went upstairs in his room. As he looked out his window and saw the sun setting down, he smiled to himself.
THOMAS: I wonder what other adventures I will get myself into…
And he was going to find out sooner than he thought.