With thanks to one of my guest reviewers, Guest, for reminding me of some plot details I missed. I love you all so, so much! You guys are the best, seriously- I can't show my thanks enough. 😊 And I'm so happy so many of you are wanting to read my next project for this to-be trilogy!
…..
Luke watched as Skarloey chuffed away with Doctor Moon aboard his cab, feeling sick to his smokebox as he reflected on what he had said to her- and worse, he couldn't tell if it was better or worse that he was being honest.
After all, he never told Skarloey about the gunshot on the Mid-Sodor Railway. From what little he heard from Peter Sam regarding that incident, neither he nor Sir Handel mentioned the gunshot to Skarloey either.
In truth, they had all been fearful of his wrath, and that realization had been enough for Luke to see that, despite receiving the older engine's kindness and friendship, he was still having issues with trusting Skarloey. That made him feel sick, disgusted with himself- and most of all, terrified that he could ruin their friendship for good.
However, not speaking up would allow the matter to stifle him in his thoughts, haunt him in his sleep; perhaps even drive him to another suicide attempt.
What was he going to do?
…
A small rock bounced off the rails with a dull metallic 'clang!' and landed next to Rusty's wheels.
"Geoff, stop it, mate." Growled Richard in annoyance. "You've been kicking that blooming rock for the better part of twenty minutes!"
"And we don't want to send Rusty off to the Dieselworks with more complaints than we already have," Added Mr. Christopher White, Rusty's engineer, who was inspecting his engine for why his generator decided to blow out on him.
"Yes, because we all keep dropping left, right and center like houseflies." Rusty answered with his satirical sarcasm that Richard couldn't help but admire.
Geoffrey just threw his arms up in defeat and leaned against the little diesel. "I just wish some word would come of Luke, that's all. I'm still beating myself up about not noticing the signs of his attempts sooner, and I want to make things right."
"Don't we all?" Richard sighed empathetically, his hands in his overall pockets. "But we still have to consider confidentiality. If Luke confides in us about his feelings, it'll be a good sign, but"-
"Shh! Here comes Skarloey now!" Hissed Rusty.
Sure enough, Skarloey slowed down as he reached the little cavalcade. "How are you doing, Rusty?" He asked sympathetically.
"I could be better, to be honest," Replied the orange engine honestly. "But it's not me I'm worried about."
As if sensing what he was going to say next, Dr. Moon poked her head out of the cab. "I'm afraid Luke's sessions with me must remain confidential." She said, bluntly. Softening her tone, she added "It will take time, but Luke will recover. I can guarantee it."
"Well, that's a relief," said Geoffrey, exhaling. "We can't thank you enough for coming, Doc."
"I'm just doing my job," she replied modestly, tucking her clipboard under her arm. She frowned when she saw Rusty sitting idly by. "Didn't I see you by the incline earlier?" She asked in confusion.
"My generator gave out on me when I tried to shunt some trucks onto Owen's platform." Rusty explained. "Duncan had to rescue me and take me down. Now I have to await Paxton's return from Brendam before I can go on to Vicarstown for repairs."
Dr. Moon nodded. "Of course. I do hope you feel better soon." She said.
"Thank you." Replied Rusty, looking at Mr. White, who merely shrugged. "It'd be nice to go a whole week without some drama or other."
"Even one day would be bliss at this rate." Skarloey added.
"Well, I better head back, Skarloey." Dr. Moon added politely, and with a nod of farewell to Luke's crew and to Rusty and his engineer, she disappeared back into the cab, and Skarloey resumed his journey with a toot of his whistle.
"If I'm not back before you leave, I hope you're back at work soon, Rusty!" Skarloey called to Rusty, who blew his horn to say thank you, and goodbye.
….
Meanwhile, back in the tunnel, Luke couldn't come to a decision as what to do about the situation with Skarloey. His pondering gave him a 'headache', and he felt even less capable of coming to a decision.
So, he decided to do the next best thing- sleep.
After all, he could think about it later, and then talk to his friends about it. With his mind made up, he closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to settle before he eventually drifted off to Morpheus' comforting, non-judgmental hold.
