"You did what, Luke?! Dude, you need some serious help."

"Hey, hey, don't be so mean, honey." A small muddy red tractor scolded, before turning to a sniffling Luke, who was dangling on the end of a break down crane. "He may not have said it in the most polite manner, but he does have a point, sweetheart." She pointed out sympathetically. "You really should see someone."

"But… I don't know what else to do." Luke sighed shakily through his quiet sobs. "I just thought"-

"-that attempting to take your life would solve your problems." Jessica said softly.

"Well, yes. I don't even want to die- I just feel it's a bit better than dying inside every single moment of every day." The green Kerr Stuart answered, gazing down at her with the childish curiosity he possessed.

"Now, I don't want to sound cliché, but your friends can really help you." Jessica advised warmly. "Trust me, doll- I've known these boys for a good many years."

"How is that so? I just feel that I'm being a burden to them." The little Wren breathed.

"Hmm, they wouldn't think you're a burden. These boys always like lending a buffer or two when needed." Jessica replied. "Besides, my dear boy, you won't be surprised to know that compassion doesn't come naturally to everyone- but to those that have mastered it, it becomes a balm for the wounded, an anchor for the lost– or perhaps even the difference between life and death." The little tractor said wisely. "Believe me, in a world where cruelty and false rumours siege war, claiming innocent victims, your best lines of defence would be compassion and honesty.

"Hmm, that's actually…wise." Smudger replied. "I might have just met you, Jess- but you've got more wisdom than I can see."

"Ha, boy- that's the smartest thing you've said to me since we've met!" She crowed. "Take hark of my words, boy- you may have got a grain of intelligence in that funnel of yours!"

"Is she always like this?" Luke whispered to Smudger.

"Yeah, but she's not bad." The dark green engine answered. "She's acidic a lot of the time. But she's soft for anyone with the right face- you fit the bill perfectly."

Luke looked uncertain about this, but he decided to let Jessica remain in his good books just now- she was, after all, nice, really, and down to earth- plus she had helped him out of the lake and back to the line, so that was something.

"You take care of him now, Smudge." She told him, eyes gleaming dangerously. "I don't want this poor lamb to come to harm."

"Alright, Mother Jess- I'll look after him," Smudger replied, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance at her nagging.

"Good. I hope things improve, little one." She added, to Luke this time.

"Thank you, Miss Jessica- and thank you for pulling me out of the mud." He said, politely.

Jessica stopped, and Luke could have sworn that her face was redder than her paintwork- heck, even redder than Skarloey's and hers combined!

"Don't mention it, child- but there isn't any need for the miss- I'm just a farm tractor." She replied. It didn't change the fact she was still blushing at Luke's kind words.

"Right, c'mon buddy, let's get you home." Smudger said gently.

"Alright." Sighed Luke. "When you get back from the Steamworks, anyway?"

"Yesterday." Replied Smudger. "Thank Lady for that, too!"

"I'm sorry…"

"Dude just don't… you've got nothing to say sorry for. We just need to get you help."

"Why?"

"Well, I get the others are doing all they can to help you- but engines have limited expertise with psychiatry, so you're going to need professional help."

Luke had really hoped it wouldn't have had to come to that…