Smudger kept quiet all the way back to the Crovan's Gate Sheds, being careful to avoid other engines (particularly Duke!) still pulling Luke; whose wheels and buffer beam were damaged from his escapade and his livery was muddy to boot, but he was alive, at least. Smudger was relieved, for he liked this engine, and he didn't want his new friend and saviour to die so.
"Hey, Luke- if you wanna talk, you can talk to me, if you like. I'm crummy at counselling, by the way, but I'll still be able"-
"Thank you, Smudger, but I don't know what to talk about." The little apple green engine sighed. "I wish Jessica said at least I should know what to say, rather than what to do."
"Well, let's face it, Luke- you tried to kill yourself and you now need professional help- no way either of those can be buttered up. I don't know what's been happening, but"-
"I just let my feelings build up." Luke whispered. Remembering the images from before his suicide attempt made his funnel ache and he felt very, very sick. "I've not really told anyone the worst of what I was feeling, and now, here I am."
"Lousy," muttered Smudger, sympathetically, as they rolled into the Depot. "Here, you can rest in these sheds until I come back, okay?" Smudger told him, shunting him into the shed next to Rheneas. "I'll find someone to help us, and then you can head back to the quarry…. Or get repaired."
"Alright- thank you, Smudger." Luke groaned quietly, watching as Smudger chuffed out of the Depot to find another engine to take Luke back to the quarry.
...
Once he was settled in the sheds, Luke took the time to study the sleeping and still sickly Rheneas, who didn't look so sickly now.
"Well, that's a good sign, at least." He muttered, accidentally rousing the engine next to him.
"Who's here? Oh, Luke, i's you." Rheneas mumbled unintelligibly. "Hey..."
"Hello- I'm sorry I awoke you, my friend." Luke replied, apologetic. His face flushed with embarrassment.
"I's alrigh'." Mumbled Rheneas. "Didn't realise you'd be here."
"Nor did I, in all honesty." Luke replied, quickly changing the subject before his friend could ask what that meant. "Hey, do you feel any better?"
"No' by much."
"You definitely don't sound it," Luke decided. "Never mind, Rheneas- you'll soon feel better." Bu his tone faltered, and he found his speech failing him now. He knew he would start crying if he continued talking so he fell silent.
"Luke?"
"Yes?"
"What's wrong?" The older engine asked, with a bit more strength in his voice. "Please, I know something is bothering you, my friend, and I cannot rest until I know what it is."
This made his companion weigh out the options in his funnel. It would shock Rheneas both ways- and he wanted to deliver as soft a blow as possible.
"Well, alright, Rheneas. I...please, don't be too frightened by what I say next," He begged.
"Okay- I won't say anything- if that helps. What is it?"
"I...I tried to drown myself in the lake on the Skarloey Railway." Luke said, looking away from Rheneas's face fearfully.
