A/N This is kind of a Thomas episode, so I decided to have him tell this story.
Hey, it's me, Thomas. I shall tell you about a tough time for us.
We engines were finding work difficult. Workmen were mending the viaduct on the main line. The arches needed strengthening. Sir Topham Hatt did not want to close the railway while the work was done and so repairs took a long time. Other engines had to take great care when crossing the viaduct and the delay often made them late on their journey to the junction where they knew I would be ready to collect my passengers.
I grew crosser and crosser. "Time's time," I grumbled. "Why should I keep my passengers waiting while Henry and James dawdle about all day on viaducts?".
"Don't blame me," snorted Henry. "If we hurry to cross the viaduct, it might collapse, and then you'd have no passengers at all. What would you do then?".
"Run my train for one thing," retorted Thomas. I quite like to be on time. Even back then, I felt that way. It's part of being a Really Useful Engine, which I live to be.
I hurried away before Henry could answer. Bertie was impatient, too. He was timed to arrive just after me. His passengers found that, instead of going straight from the bus to their train, they were kept waiting until I arrived.
Soon, Bertie grew cross with me. "Late again!" he remarked as I panted wearily in. "We may be friends, but I thought you could go fast, Thomas.". "It's time we had another race. I reckon I can beat you now.".
I let off steam loudly. "Rubbish!" I hissed fiercely. "It's those main line engines. They dither about on the viaduct and they blame Sir Topham Hatt's workmen. It's just an excuse for laziness if you ask me.".
One day, James was later than ever at the station. "I'm sorry, Thomas", I puffed. I was held up at the station and the viaduct made it worse."
"It's lucky for you, I'm a guaranteed connection.," I grumbled.
Before James could answer, he puffed importantly away.
"Come along! Come along!" I panted to the coaches.
Annie and Clarabel did their best but I soon found that we couldn't save much time. Suddenly, I saw Bertie ahead. His radiator was steaming. I wondered what happened to my friend that he was ill.
"What's the matter?" I asked. "You should be at the station by now. You're late.".
"I feel dreadful," moaned Bertie. "All upset inside and Driver says he can't make me better. Thank goodness you're late, too. Can you take my passengers, please? They'll never get home otherwise.".
"Of course," I agreed. I was always willing to help a friend. I felt bad he was so ill.
I now felt sorry for Bertie, and promised to get help at the next station. I set off again. Already, I felt much more cheerful and Bertie's passengers, traveling in Annie and Clarabel all home safely. Helping my friend made me happy. When Bertie was better, he came to thank me.
"I'm sorry I teased you about being late."
"That's all right," I replied. I'm glad I could help. There are times when being late isn't such a bad thing after all.".
For the last cheerful greeting, we went back to work.
A/N I'm not British, they are.