Henry felt pleased that he was back in the forest pulling freight. He hadn't pulled the Express in a long time, and he had messed up, big time. He hadn't wanted to remember it in a hurry, as he had learned that everyone had different skills and were suited to different jobs.
But when Gordon had heard about how Henry had treated the passengers, he wasn't pleased. He decided to talk to Henry about it and see what had happened, so after his last train of the day, he puffed off to Tidmouth Sheds.
He found Henry getting ready to pull the Flying Kipper, as usual.
"Henry, I want a word with you." Gordon boomed.
The green engine jumped. He had been friends with Gordon a long time, though there were times when Henry hadn't approved of what Gordon had been doing, like bullying Edward for a while for being so old. It always made Henry feel guilty as even when Edward was feeling down due to the insults, he still kept on going and never made a big deal of it.
"Yes Gordon?" He asked quietly.
"I've heard about what happened to my passengers when they were under your care." Gordon continued, whilst keeping his eyes fixed sternly on his friend. The other engine looked very guilty. "What happened, Henry?"
"Nothing happened, Gordon."
"Well, why were the passengers treated so roughly, Henry? People don't like being tossed around like peas in a pod. It's not comfortable for them."
"I know that. I didn't mean to hurt them, Gordon. I'm very sorry. It wouldn't happen again, I promise." Henry tried to move forward to get to Brendam Docks, but Gordon stood his ground. He didn't budge from his position on the turntable. He didn't say anything. He just let steam hiss from his cylinders, and he glared at the green engine with cold anger.
"I want the truth, Henry- now."
Those six words were filled with warning, and Henry took a deep breath. He knew that if he didn't own up now, he would get into trouble for being late. Either way, he would have to face someone's wrath- Gordon's for the truth behind his passengers; or the Fat Controller for not delivering the Flying Kipper.
"I did it because..."
"Well, chop chop, tree hugger Henry." Gordon sneered, and Henry winced.
"I did it because I sometimes act careless, okay?" He snapped, wanting nothing more than for Gordon to leave him alone.
"Why?"
"Well, when I'm in the forest, I learned I can be free and not worry about rules as much. As long as the trucks were safe on the rails, it didn't matter so much about how much the trucks got bumped. I guess I just got too used to it."
"Well, a note for the future, Henry- passengers generally don't like being bounced around." Gordon told him.
"I know. I'm sorry Gordon, for letting you down."
"At least none of my passengers were severely hurt." The big blue engine replied dismissively. "Just don't let it happen again."
"I wouldn't Gordon- you have my word."
The blue engine smiled. "Good. You know, you may be careless and high strung, but you've got a good moral character."
"Well, Edward helped me shape it." Henry replied truthfully.
Hm. Enjoy your run, Henry. Though I don't see how one can." Gordon sniffed snootily.
"I'll have you know that I enjoy my night runs, thank you!" Henry replied indignantly, and he began to move forwards towards the turntable slowly.
In response to this, Gordon turned round on the turntable, and backed into his shed, allowing Henry access.
Just before his crew extinguished his fire for the night, they allowed him the opportunity to whistle goodbye to Henry, who responded in kind.