The Island of Sodor was in a solemn and humble state of quiet and tranquility amongst the engines and people alike. The like of which had not been felt by Sodor for quite a long time, if ever. Only two weeks had gone by since Bernie's funeral and final closure after David had tried for two whole weeks prior to steer him to a better path after his escapade with Baz during the World of Tomorrow. David had been holding to the statement that his duty was clear throughout that entire ordeal, but ultimately in the end, despite all of David's strongest and furthest efforts, both reasonable and unreasonable, his plan ultimately failed, and after desperation, ostracization and his own hate finally destroyed him, Bernie was no more.
The follow-up that resulted from all this played out over the next two weeks with a strong mixture of realization, despair, sympathy, regret, acknowledgement and especially a poignant spell of humbleness from even the hardest-hearted engines and people who knew about Bernie's situation. In Arlesburgh, Ian Wainwright, Hetty and Geraldine's ways seemed almost completely transformed, as they didn't convey any of their diva-like qualities as they did with Bernie. On the contrary, they were much more social, open and giving to their fellow neighbours, that is until their normal ways would return in full again. On the Main Line, Gordon and James remarkably didn't brag once about their passengers, their paintwork, or being the pride of the line. Rather, they greeted the other engines with open and honest interaction with a smile and a whistle. At Blue Mountain Quarry, Duncan didn't grumble once as he too had been stirred by the recent events like many others. Even the Fat Controller had to admit he had learned some hard lessons, particularly through seeing his own history repeat itself through David when he locked Bernie in the brig. Thinking back to when Thomas saved Ryan and the Diggers, and how Emily confronted him with such anger, the Fat Controller indeed saw even more what such short-minded and pre-judgmental behaviour could have the potential to bring about, as Bernie most tragically showed the whole island in the end.
Even at the Dieselworks, the realization and acknowledgement was still going…especially for Diesel himself. Ever since he had come to hear what Bernie had ultimately done to himself, for these two entire weeks, he didn't venture out once, or work a single hour, or speak a single word, absolutely silent and still even now. He could feel one question and one question only sounding through his mind moment after moment.
"My God. What have I done? What have I done?"
All the rest of the railway, particularly Thomas and Emily, carried on with their own work day by day as best they could, while both engines did what they could to help their navy friend through this aftermath. As for David, these two weeks of tranquility had their own effect. He had become quite devoted to his newly given typewriter with its emerald green colour and it's intriguing sense of mechanisms. Throughout the past fortnight, he'd spent a few hours each day typing out a diary-like format of everything he had experienced with Bernie from the start to the very end. As Beatrice had promised, it kept him well-occupied and concentrated after such a tumultuous and stake-raising situation.
Then on the fourteenth evening, all the engines were returning home after another day's work. Thomas and Emily were huffing along the line together and dropped off their empty trucks in Knapford Yards before setting off for Tidmouth Sheds.
"Another fine day's work, I'd say, Emily," said Thomas.
"Yes, Thomas. I believe it has been," said Emily. "But I'm still wondering about David. It's been two weeks now, and he still seems quite low."
"I know, Emily," said Thomas. "He still needs a little more before his spirits can heal. What can we do to help him next?"
Emily thought with interest.
"Well, we've given him a few visits so far," she said. "But this is a very strong aftermath for him to be faced with. You may have vanquished your demon with Edward's help as well as mine, Thomas. And Percy's spirits were rekindled with my motherly approach and Gina's return, but David isn't you or Percy, which makes me think what he needs will be quite different."
"How so?" Thomas asked.
Emily pondered a little more, then looked right at Thomas.
"I think we'll find out tomorrow," she said cleverly. "If we happen to not have any work tomorrow."
Thomas was puzzled at first, then Emily leaned in closer and whispered. Thomas listened and nodded slowly, then gradually smiled right at Emily. What she had suggested was both very simple, and yet most personal and intimately thought out, and could prove to be very helpful on David's account if they could take the day with him. Provided the schedule would go their way, Thomas and Emily had it all worked out as they huffed side by side back to Tidmouth Sheds just as the stars began to appear through the sky.
By this time, in the Rider House, Beatrice was reading to herself and David had just finished his share of typewriting and sat down on the sofa. On the table next to the sofa was David's wooden portable radio playing classical music over the Sodor Network. By this time, David had typed down just about everything regarding himself and Bernie. He sat and looked out the window toward the pier and the Sea Emperor, still thinking deeply to himself, when suddenly, another song started playing on the radio, with a high piccolo starting off the tune. David immediately knew just what this song was as he rocked very slightly on the sofa. It was the song of the Island of Sodor itself, picturing a very blue sky and a land of wonder and full of magic. But given what had happened only two weeks ago, David didn't think this song matched his current mood in any way, and just as the song spoke of dreams coming true, David turned and switched the radio off before rising from the sofa. Beatrice noticed this and looked up from her book.
"David, after all, that's the song of Sodor itself. It's touched Sudrians hearts for many years, and so it will go on."
"Yes, I know," David nodded gently. "But I still can't believe that Bernie would throw everything away."
Then David slowly went upstairs to make ready for the night. Beatrice followed and went to her bedroom as well, and soon, she and David were in their nightwear. David was already in bed when Beatrice came in and gave him a hug.
"You know, David…" she said softly. "It's been two weeks now. I think that's a fair amount of time for you to have reckoned with what has happened."
"I know, Mum. I've been reckoning with every last piece of the story through that very typewriter," said David. "But as we all know, these things take time. As with every case of dampened or crushed spirits, there's no clear answer to when I'll be rekindled. I just hope something can present itself tomorrow to help me."
"So do I, David. So do I," Beatrice smiled gently as she kissed him goodnight. "Sleep well, my dearest boy. I love you."
"You sleep well too, Mum," David said gently. "I love you too."
Beatrice then left the room with a motherly smile and closed the door. For a fair while longer, as he lay in bed, David pondered to himself. He knew that recovering from all this was no easy feat. However brief or long it would take, he would need more helping maneuvers from his mother, from Thomas, and of course his best friend, Emily. And just as Thomas, Emily and even Beatrice were thinking to themselves, the next little helping hand would play out quite simply and yet very significantly throughout the very next day…
Night passed peacefully for the Riders and for the Railway with a star-filled sky and absolute quiet and stillness, until just around 6:15 a.m. the next morning, the sun just began showing little creases of light, dawning the start of another day for Sodor. For most across the island, this would merely be another day, but for some, it would be quite different, and in a few unexpected ways.
Around 7:00 a.m., the sun rose over Tidmouth Sheds. There, the engines slowly woke up and drowsed comfortably as they all opened their eyes and saw all their crews arrive and make ready. Gradually, Rebecca, Gordon, Nia, James, Thomas, Percy and Emily felt their fireboxes burning nicely, their boilers bubbling and their smokeboxes warming up for the day. Thomas and Emily looked to each other and winked, hoping their plan for David would work out. Then a few minutes later, the Fat Controller arrived and handed out each engines' jobs for the day, while Thomas and Emily listened carefully. Gordon and Rebecca would be on their routine passenger duties, Percy was set to take the milk train with Toby, then the mail train later that evening, and Nia was to help James on his goods run throughout the day. And so each of those five engines set off and went about their own business. Then the Fat Controller turned to the star and the angel.
"Now as for you, Thomas and Emily…I have a little something to tell both of you…"
Emily suddenly perked up curiously.
"Actually, sir, we've something to tell as well. You see, Thomas and I…well, I was wondering if we have any work to do at all today?"
"Why do you ask that, Emily?" said the Fat Controller.
"Well…we're still thinking about David," said Thomas. "And just yesterday evening, Emily said to me…"
And he told the Fat Controller what they both hoped they could do for David today. The Fat Controller listened and pondered while both engines waited for his answer. Then a moment later, he smiled.
"I see. Well, you two, what I was going to say is this. For today's timetable, it doesn't seem like either of you have any work to do today."
Thomas and Emily looked up at once, surprised and flattered.
"Really, sir? Emily and I are clear for the day?" Thomas asked.
"Yes, Thomas and Emily. You are," said the Fat Controller. "This is yet another very distant occasion where neither of you have any work to worry about. And so, in that regard…of course you can take David along for the day, and Beatrice too. I'm sure they would both truly appreciate your kind gestures today. I have a feeling both of you might just give him a perfect day with this plan. See to it that it is perfect for him."
"We will, sir," promised the engines.
After the Fat Controller left, Thomas and Emily looked to each other with chiming smiles. Today was going to be lovely.
"Well, my love? Are you ready?" Thomas winked.
"Of course I am, dear," Emily chimed sweetly. "Time for another perfect day, Tommy."
Then both engines set off for Knapford Station. There, they took their turns filling up with water, then Thomas fetched Annie and Clarabel while Emily fetched two of her own coaches, after which they set off together along the line for Arlesburgh with a content sigh. Today was going to be a perfect day indeed…
By this time, it was approaching 7:30 a.m. In his home at Arlesburgh, David's clock suddenly began ringing. He stopped the alarm and slowly sat up in bed. He then rubbed his eyes and sighed steadily as he leaned over, slipped his feet into a pair of black slippers, got up with a stretch, then put on his robe as he proceeded to the bathroom. After washing up and getting dressed, David went downstairs and could already smell breakfast on the table, telling him his mother was already awake. When he stepped in the kitchen, Beatrice was seated at the table and smiled to her son as she had both plates ready. Ham, eggs and melted cheese on toast. At her side, Beatrice had a mug of coffee, and David's glass mug was full of ginger beer. David slowly sat down beside his mother, and within moments the two of them were eating steadily and in harmony as they felt nothing more or less than the pleasure of each other's company. No need for words. Just the company of mother and son, and a breakfast that couldn't be more simply perfect. But David was thinking and feeling more than just the company of his mother. As he tasted the warm and buttery eggs, the salty ham and the creamy cheese on his toast, he felt a sense of almost overwhelming significance. To have such a lovely breakfast with his mother somehow seemed much more important and blessing than he could previously recall.
About half an hour later, breakfast was done. David spoke not a word but rose from his seat, then gathered the plates and cutlery to wash them. Beatrice watched as he maintained a quiet and melancholy expression the whole time, right until the plates and cutlery were dried and put away. David then closed his eyes and seemed to shake his head almost sadly. Beatrice rose from her seat and rose his chin to her eyes.
"David? What's the matter? This has always been your favourite breakfast. A perfect one too, wouldn't you say?"
David looked to his mother and held her shoulder as his voice shook a little.
"Or course it is, Mum. It's a perfect breakfast, and even more so since I get to have it with you. It's just…breakfast with your family is supposed to be a cheerful time…if only there was something to be cheerful about right now. If only Bernie were still here with a better chance. Sometimes at night, I can almost hear his voice…but it always turns out I'm dreaming."
David's sentence was scarcely complete when he and Beatrice suddenly heard one whistle, then another from outside. Instinctively, both Riders changed their presentation and approached the door. When they came out, there were Thomas and Emily, Annie and Clarabel, and Emily's coaches too. David and Beatrice looked and could see by their steady yet gentle smiles, neither engine had any work to be done today, to which the Riders already figured out why both engines were here.
"Hello, you two," David said gently and a little solemnly.
"Good morning, David," Emily said gently and kindly. "Thomas and I are here to give you another little helping buffer as we've been doing ever since it…well, it happened."
"Yes, David," said Thomas. "Neither Emily nor I have any work to worry about today. And after two weeks since it happened, we think you and Beatrice deserve a day with us."
"In what way, Thomas?" Beatrice asked.
Over the next few minutes, Thomas and Emily told the Riders what they had in mind throughout the course of the day. Once everything had been told, Beatrice pondered to herself while David thought much deeper and even a little seriously about what just been proposed.
"What do you think, David?" Emily asked. "Would you like to come aboard?"
The Riders looked to Thomas and Emily and nodded surely.
"Of course, you two," said Beatrice. "We'll make ready at once."
All David could say with a small nod was, "Yes."
While Thomas and Emily waited beside the house, David and Beatrice went inside and start preparing a picnic. David found a wicker basket, then got to helping Beatrice prepare the picnic. In the following moments, he still felt a very strong significance in his heart since having breakfast, but at the same time, he had a feeling this would indeed help his current position if it all went well. Once the picnic was ready, David went upstairs for one or two more things before the day could start.
About twenty minutes later, Thomas and Emily looked and saw the Riders come out with a little bundle each. Beatrice carried the picnic basket, and David carried a fishing pole and a small tackle box. Thomas and Emily smiled gently and surely as they anticipated the gentle but intimate day they were going to gave. For the first part of this trip, David and Beatrice got onboard Annie, who smiled merrily to them both. Then Thomas whistled and set off with Emily following beside him. The day with the Riders had now begun.
Inside Annie, David and Beatrice sat beside each other with the picnic basket and fishing tools at their feet. As they rode along and watched the view, David remained completely silent and breathed slowly as laid his hand on the seat, to which Beatrice reached and held her son's hand. He looked and saw her give him a sure look. Compared to many other days, today was going to be very different indeed, especially in how David would experience it himself.
After trailing along the line for some time, Thomas and Emily came along the line west of Shen Ven, full of rolling green hills and long fences down in the fields. Thomas and Emily trailed side by side, then shortly after, they arrived at Shen Valley, where Thomas had followed the rainbow and where he tried to take the Hatts on Dowager's birthday picnic. Much to Thomas' delight, it had not been freshly ploughed with any mud. This time, the whole field was vast and green. Perfect for David and Beatrice's first stop for the day.
The Riders came out of Annie, then Thomas and Emily watched as they walked down the hillside and trailed slowly through the valley. The fields were full of flowers ranging from red to orange to purple, and Beatrice was perfectly happy to pick some herself to make into a bouquet, then take home to put in a water jar. For quite some time, Beatrice picked flowers and hummed a sweet little tune, while David kept a little more distance, walking steadily along the fields, sometimes trailing up the hills, then back down. All the while, he took in the fresh and filling air around him. Much like Henry and his forest, David felt better being here for a change after the harbour. It was peaceful, sheltered and wholesome, just as he ought to be feeling after all that had happened between him and Bernie. But even in such a beautiful, picturesque place such as this, David could feel a sense of great pity and regret that Bernie would never partake in any joys and gifts in life like this. If only his trial and probation hadn't taken the course that it did, this could have been something for Bernie to enjoy too.
As he looked further out to the rolling hills and fields, David's eyes welled up with tears which then fell away as he blinked and sniffed to himself. In the same moment, he could hear Beatrice coming up alongside him. She put down her handful of flowers then reached out her hand to his shoulder, and right when she touched it, David turned around to his mother. She could see the tear trails on his face and nodded gently to her son. David then shut his eyes, put his arms around his mother and hugged her close. Beatrice could feel him shaking lightly and heard him sob ever-so quietly into her shoulder. Instinctively, Beatrice put her arms around her son and softly patted his back, hushing very softly to ease his position.
"Shh…shh…" she whispered. "I'm here, Davey. I know he would have loved this place, and much more."
"It's not just about Bernie, Mum," David whispered shakily. "It's how beautiful this place is, and many other places on the island…and yet so many of us overlook moments like this too often. We're all so focused on being really useful, which is all very well in its way…but this and many more places ought to show just how much there really is for all of us."
"I know, David. And I assure you, you are not alone on this," Beatrice soothed as she wiped his tears with a handkerchief. "There are plenty others who think just the same. Including our very dear friends right up there on the line."
David glanced behind himself and nodded as he gathered himself together and Beatrice picked up her flowers again.
Thomas and Emily had seen everything and both felt a little lump in their throats, especially after hearing what the Riders had just said. Even Annie and Clarabel were stirred and absorbed by what they had heard. And indeed, such words couldn't be truer. As important and fulfilling as being really useful was and always would be, little moments and beauties such as this are much bigger gifts and blessings than several may notice.
After about two hours since their arrival, David and Beatrice came walking back up the hill. Beatrice had a fair handful of flowers clutched to her chest and David walked right alongside her with his face still showing considerable melancholy. As they approached the two engines, Emily then thought perhaps David would feel better if he and Beatrice had their picnic at their next destination.
"Well. This has been a lovely little visit," Emily said gently. "Are you too ready for your luncheon at our next stop?"
David looked up and nodded gently, but didn't say anything.
"I think we are, Emily," said Beatrice. "Why don't you lead the way?"
Emily tittered kindly as David and Beatrice decided to ride with her this time and boarded one of her coaches. Emily gave a wink to Thomas and whistled gently as she set off down the line, while Thomas followed close behind.
As they rode in Emily's coach, the Riders sat together again and watched the view again. It was indeed a different feeling to ride in this coach after Annie or Clarabel, but David favoured it just the same. Emily's coaches were most lovely indeed and not like any other coaches on Sodor. As Thomas and Emily approached the Misty Valley Line, David looked out the window sat in complete silence and stillness. Beatrice could sense just what he was thinking and scooted over to lift his chin to her face.
"I know, sweetheart," she said softly. "I know you're thinking that with R.I.F.L.E., you could have captured the Devil and set Bernie's soul free from all Baz had done to him."
David slowly looked out the window. "It doesn't matter now. Bernie is gone. Along with his enslaver."
"Well today, what does matter is helping you through to the other side," said Beatrice. "And I do believe our next destination will do you a lot of good somehow."
Beatrice was right. Just as Thomas and Emily had worked out for today, they soon arrived at Black Loch. Their favourite place on the whole island ever since Emily's first route at the very beginning, where she and Thomas started to fall in love and where they spent so many romantic occasions over the years, and could continue to do so for always.
Thomas and Emily stopped side by side, then David and Beatrice left Emily's coach and came alongside both engines. There, they all stood together watching the hillside, the trailing cliffs, the castle out in the distance, and of course the lake. Thomas and Emily beamed surely together as they remembered fondly that the last time they were here was the very night of their tenth anniversary of being in love, and how it reached its true peak right here under the stars. Now, for the first time in quite a long time, the sensation of being here was a more solemn approach, but everyone was together just the same.
After a fair while of taking in the scenery, David checked his pocket watch and saw it was just after 12:00 noon, and he was feeling hungry. Beatrice noticed the time too, and went right to Annie and took out the picnic basket. Thomas and Emily watched as the Riders sat on a small clearing beside the line where Beatrice opened the basket and laid out the picnic. Plates, knives and forks, napkins, then the food and drink. Ham sandwiches, potato salad, ginger beer and lemonade. A simple yet divine picnic for any mother and son on a superlative day such as this. While Thomas and Emily continued to take in the view, David and Beatrice had their picnic together. Beatrice thought this was the perfect place for any picnic, while gradually over the following few minutes, David found himself concentrating very particularly on how his food tasted so appetizing and filling, taking in the beloved scenery around him and feeling the presence of his mother and his favourite engines on the whole island, and in the world. As he continued to eat, he felt as if he would have quite an entry to make on his typewriter once the day was done, and there was still more yet to experience before sundown.
Just over half an hour later, David and Beatrice's picnic was done and both plates were empty. Thomas and Emily watched as David packed up the basket and was just about to take it back to Annie, when something happened. Thomas, Emily and the Riders suddenly turned toward the lake as they heard a rustle and a splash, then saw a few ripples on the water. Then their eyes befell something black cut the surface and slither along through the water. Thomas and Emily's boilers bubbled and their lips curled into fully delighted smiles as they kept their eyes on the lake shore. There was Emily's beloved family of seals yet again, barking away on the lakeside and practically smiling to the engines and people. A most endearing sight and most welcoming for everyone here, especially David. Then suddenly, Emily gasped and looked even closer, to which Thomas and the Riders looked too. There among the seals, right between the mother and father, they saw a brand new baby amongst the family, yipping and chirping away with the other seals.
Thomas and Emily's hearts fluttered with such joy as they cooed most lovingly to such a sight, almost starting to cry happily. Beatrice cupped her hands together and beamed from ear to ear. Then something else caught her eye, and Thomas and Emily's, which made them all fall silent. David was looking right at the seals and very slowly stepping towards them. Thomas, Emily and Beatrice all held their breath and didn't move an inch, wondering what the young captain was going to do. David very slowly approached the seals, then kneeled down to the ground. Emily watched very closely as David slowly reached out his hand toward the bigger seals, who all kept their eyes right on him. Slowly, David leaned in closer and closer…until he was petting the mother seal gently across her back. Then slowly but surely, the mother seal leaned her head in toward David as he petted her. All Beatrice could do was stare in absolute amazement, while Thomas and Emily stood on the line, speechless and enthralled. Of all their times they shared here since the start, never had they seen something like this. The likes of the Black Loch Seals interacting with David, or anyone for that matter, at such close proximity as this.
Then the scene only became even more adorable. Everyone watched as the new baby seal hobbled gently toward David and looked right up at him. David very slowly and gingerly reached down and ever-so softly petted the baby's head. Oh, how Thomas and Emily absolutely loved such a dearly touching sight! Emily's best friend had just defied a precedent of Black Loch no one had ever considered before. He was the very first to come so close to Emily's beloved seals…and to a brand new baby seal too.
Then just when it almost couldn't get any more breathtaking, everyone watched as David slowly leaned down…and gently ushered the mother seal to come closer. Thomas, Emily and Beatrice's hearts raced most excitedly as David very gently beckoned her toward Emily while the rest of the seals followed a few steps. Thomas gaped in absolute awe and Emily's eyes were open wide and twinkling very, very happily as David gently petted the mother seal once more and gestured to Emily. The seal then looked right up to Emily's face and barked happily.
"Ohh…my sweet, sweet little friend," Emily cooed most delightfully. "I'm so happy to see you again…and now, you're right here with me. Ohh, you're so lovely."
The seal barked again, then glanced downward toward the ground. Emily looked and suddenly gave a gasp, as did Thomas and Beatrice…for David reached down again, and very gently picked up the baby seal, then very softly placed him on Emily's running plate. The baby seal looked at her, then hobbled closer to her face and chirped happily. This made Emily's heart almost melt with pure, undeniable joy. Thomas could only smile from buffer to buffer and feel his boiler almost glowing, and Beatrice started to cry with sheer joy herself as Emily looked right at the baby seal.
"Aww…aww, hello there, you sweet, sweet little baby," she cooed most happily. "You're so adorable and SO cute! You're nice and safe and warm with your mummy. Oh, you're going to grow into such a lovely seal too! Oh, I'm so happy. You're truly a most precious and beloved gift for all on Sodor to see."
Then with a very soft little coo, Emily puckered her lips, and she very, very softly kissed the baby seal, who chirped most happily in response. Thomas exclaimed with sheer bubbling joy, Beatrice wiped a few joyful tears away and David only smiled with utter surety. After a few moments, he gently reached out and placed the baby back between the mother and father seal. All the seals then looked up to Thomas, Emily and the Riders and barked most happily as they hobbled back to the lake, then stepped in and swam away together. And so from this visit forth, every seal of Emily's was now a trusting and very close nature's friend to David. Every single one of them.
"Oh…David," Emily whimpered happily. "I…I don't know what to say but…That was truly…perfect!"
"Well, I never, ever did," said Thomas. "I will never forget what I have seen here today."
David and Beatrice solely agreed. David now had a good feeling his typewriter's entry tonight would be something special.
Thomas, Emily and the Riders stayed a fair while longer at Black Loch, feeling a great deal better since that morning, until David checked his pocket watch again and saw it was 1:30 p.m. They then thought it best to return to Thomas and Emily and press on. This time, David and Beatrice approached Thomas again and boarded Clarabel. Thomas then gave a whistle, then he and Emily set off out of Black Loch and further down the line, on toward Callan Castle.
When they arrived, Lord Callan was just outside the castle doors. He saw Thomas and Emily stop at the platform, and when he saw who came out of Clarabel, he came down at once. David shook Lord Callan's hand and asked if he and Beatrice could walk about the grounds for some time. Lord Callan knew just what David had been going through lately and was keen to oblige. And so, while Thomas and Emily waited at the platform, David and Beatrice walked with Lord Callan up the stairs toward the castle and through the grounds.
After a few minutes, Thomas looked to Emily and could see her smiling steadily.
"Well, Emily," said Thomas. "I know today was meant to help David…but even I didn't think it would result in what we've seen so far. Especially at Black Loch."
"Oh, bless my paint, Thomas! I know," said Emily. "Especially the new baby seal! And him sitting right here on my running plate? Ohh…I can't get away from it, that was SOO special! Ohh!"
"Yes, Emily. Yes, it was," Thomas smiled right at her.
For a fair amount of time further, David and Beatrice walked with Lord Callan throughout his estate and the castle grounds. While Beatrice took in the view with a content smile, David was again feeling strong significance glowing in his heart as he looked at the castle and the grand estate Lord Callan had with it. Not many people got to see this place as often as some, and David once again took this acknowledgement rather seriously as he continued to consider what he would enter on the typewriter tonight.
Eventually, around 3:30 p.m., David and Beatrice felt they'd had their fair share of time at the castle and decided to leave. They thanked Lord Callan for his time then returned to the platform where Thomas and Emily were waiting. In keeping with the ongoing pattern, David and Beatrice boarded one of Emily's coaches again. Then she gave a whistle and set off with Thomas right beside her, bound for just one more destination before they would take the Riders home. The two engines trailed along the line until they soon found a junction and switched to another line, now heading southward along the line again to reach their final destination with the Riders today. One more place that had made several memories of different sorts, with the most recent memory being the most serious, especially for David.
At exactly 4:30 p.m. Thomas and Emily's line brought them right to their last destination for today. None other than the Whistling Woods. Both engines knew this place very fondly as it was where Percy met his animal friends, where Thomas and Emily spent their first anniversary together talking about all the rose colours, and of course Toby and Belle rolled through here while they were becoming friends. But now this place carried a bigger and much more serious piece of history. As of only two weeks ago, it was now where Bernie had made his last stand, or rather his last flight before it all came to a forever stop. David and Beatrice looked out through Emily's coach windows and felt a serious pulse hit their hearts too, but given the experiences they'd had so far today, they were here to make the best of it all.
Thomas and Emily slowly came to a stop and David and Beatrice left Emily's coach and looked around. David looked further through the trees and recognized some of this area being where he had followed Bernie's trail before the final chase. He swallowed strongly and walked stiffly ahead. Beatrice followed him and Thomas and Emily followed slowly along the line too. Despite the fact that neither of them were here to see the chase, they could almost feel how it might have unfolded for David and Bernie and exchanged a calm but serious nod to each other.
David and Beatrice walked through the woods together with Thomas and Emily following on the line until they looked up and saw it. There was the very pond David had leapt into after fleeing the shark, and where he had been searching for Bernie on that fateful day. But something was different. After two weeks had gone by, the sight that befell everyone's eyes couldn't be more polar opposite than what had transpired here before.
On one corner of the pond, Stephen and Sir Lowham Hatt were fishing together. Lowham, for once, wasn't in the joking, mischievous mood he usually was. He too had come to learn about Bernie's final outcome and had been considerably stirred. On the other corner of the pond, Albert and Little Thomas were fishing together, sitting sat side by side, each with a fishing pole and simply having a very good day together. Thomas, Emily and Beatrice took a deep breath and sighed contently at the all-around peaceful mood they saw and felt, but seeing Albert and Little Thomas together sent a twinge through David's heart. Years and years ago, when he was just around Little Thomas' age, he and Lawrence would do the very same thing whenever Lawrence had little windows of time with the family. David swallowed hard as he knew he would never have another chance to do this with his father, now that he had passed on into a spiritual being…but he was still keen to make the most of what he could.
So David went to Annie and took out his fishing pole and tackle box. Beatrice then followed him down to the pond. Thomas and Emily were wondering when and if he would put this to use, and now the time had come. Thomas thought back to how he wanted to go fishing years and years ago, only to have fish end up in his boiler and give him such a pain, to which he learned engines don't go fishing. But just as he had wanted to do so long ago, he could now stay and watch the fishing happen, and he had Emily right along with him to share it with. David and Beatrice walked down to the edge of the pond, then David sat down to arrange his fishing tackle. He had a neat little set of lures of his own, one of which he tied onto his hook and line, then Thomas and Emily watched as he brought the rod back, then casted the line out into the pond. He gently wound some of the line back in, then went very still and started waiting for a bite. Ten minutes passed. Then twenty. David weaved his rod every which way now and again, but nothing took his hook quite yet. Beatrice sat beside him and would pat his shoulder every few minutes. Thomas and Emily watched the whole time and could feel a particular sense of belonging as they saw all three groups of two where they were. Stephen and Sir Lowham on their side of the pond, Albert and Little Thomas on the other side, and David and Beatrice right in the middle.
After the twenty minutes that had just gone by, David began to wonder if he would have to reel back in and cast his line again, but suddenly, there came a tiny little tweak on his line. He suddenly looked right at the pond and his line, while Beatrice, Thomas and Emily watched intently. Stephen, Sir Lowham, Albert and Little Thomas all looked up too. Then just when David almost didn't expect it, there came a steady tug on his line, then came a big yank which almost pulled the rod out of his hands.
"A trout! A trout! I have him by the nose!" David exclaimed as he let out a little line, then pulled in hard.
"Come on, David! Come on! Pull it in!" Beatrice urged eagerly.
David kept reeling in and weaving his line every which way to bring the fish in. Then suddenly, up the fish jumped from the water, then jumped again as David managed to bring it all the way in and take hold of the fish.
"Wow, David! Good catch," Emily chimed proudly.
David turned around to the engines so they could see the fish themselves. Both engines smiled and nodded, then David got to work to remove his hook and lure and let the fish go. A moment later, the fish was free and David gently placed it back in the water and watched it swim away.
"Well. That went quite nicely," said Beatrice. "I'm glad to have come out here today, David."
"You know, Mum, so am I," David nodded surely. "Thank you."
Beatrice watched as David casted his line out again to try and catch another fish, when she checked her watch and suddenly noticed the time. 5:10 p.m. It was late afternoon, and sunset would be in just a few more hours. It was then that she suddenly conjured another idea to contribute to the ongoing day David was having so far, and she made a plan. Discreetly, she stood up and held David's shoulder, making him look up.
"Mum?" he noted.
"I just noticed the time, David…and I think I should go home now. There's something I must do."
David checked his own watch and noticed. "Hmm. I see. Alright, Mum. I'll follow with Emily soon."
Beatrice nodded, then walked back up the hill and back to Thomas. Thomas looked curiously at Beatrice as she came right up to him and whispered something, to which Thomas smiled and nodded.
"Alright, then," he said. "I'll take Beatrice back to Arlesburgh, Emily. I'll be waiting for you and David."
"Alright, Thomas. See you later, Beatrice," Emily smiled.
Beatrice waved and nodded to Emily as she got onboard Annie, then Thomas set off out of the woods while Emily watched David a little longer. David weaved his line a little bit again, waiting for a bite. But then, only ten minutes later, there came another tug and pull, but not on David's line. Emily and David looked up and noticed that Stephen suddenly seemed alert. Then came a small splash from the pond, and Stephen gave a shout.
"Ohh! Captain Rider! Great Uncle Lowham! There's a fish on my line!"
"Reel him in, Stephen!" David urged. "Let out a little, then pull in."
Stephen did what David said and reeled hard to pull the fish in. More than once, he almost lost balance and fell in the pond, but Sir Lowham was there to catch him just in case. Then sure enough, Stephen pulled his line, and there was another trout almost the size of David's trout.
"Well, bust my moustache! Jolly good catch there, little Stephen!" Sir Lowham exclaimed merrily.
"Well done, Stephen!" Emily called from the line.
"I caught a fish and I wasn't even trying!" Stephen exclaimed.
"On the odd occasion, that's the best way to fish," said David, when there suddenly came another shout from the other side.
"Ohh! Dad! I've got one too!" came Little Thomas' voice.
Albert watched with a smile as Little Thomas reeled in his line too, and up came one more trout. David had to smile as he reflected such times with his own father. While those days were indeed over, David knew his father still lived on spiritually, and today's experience was indeed really helping him in many different ways ever since it all ended for Bernie.
For about half an hour more, David sat by the pond, catching fish now and again, while he unhooked the fish and let them go each time. He didn't need to keep any fish today. All he needed was the mere feeling of fishing and nothing more, until at last, he had done his share and was ready to leave. Emily watched as he retrieved his line, packed up the tackle box and got up from the pond. When he came up to Emily, she gave him a gentle but genuine smile. All their outings for the day were now done, and David was now ready to be brought home as Emily spoke up.
"Well, David. Thomas and I have done our part today to give you and Beatrice the best day we could after two weeks have gone by, and I would like to know. Do you think our efforts have done you well today?"
David looked right at his best friend and nodded as he held her buffer.
"Of course you've done me well, Emily. Even better than well," he said. "I'll talk more about it with you and Thomas later on, but today's outings have made it all very special and very meaningful to me. I can't recall experiencing a day like this ever before, and I am truly thankful that you two could make it happen."
Emily nodded slowly and smiled steadily.
"I'm glad to hear that, David. And you're always welcome. Now, my best friend, come on aboard. I'll bring you home."
And so she did. David placed his rod and box in one of Emily's coaches and got into her cab. Then they set off out of the Whistling Woods on their way back to Arlesburgh. As he looked out from Emily's cab, David fell silent again and reflected on all the things he had done with his mother and his two favourite engines ever. Today had been a very simple day, and yet a very touching, personal and powerful day as well, and in ways that not many others could have understood like David did right now. And even now, it wasn't quite over. Just a few more little things were left to do before this practically perfect day would be concluded.
At last, after passing through Knapford to drop off her coaches, Emily neared the outskirts of Arlesburgh. It was going on 6:15 p.m. and evening just began to set in. She huffed steadily through the village, then came round the bend toward David's house. There, Thomas was waiting on the line beside her, having already dropped off Annie and Clarabel back at Knapford. Emily stopped alongside Thomas, then David got down from her cab.
"Hello again, Thomas," Emily chimed.
"Hello, Emily," said Thomas. "And David, you're just in time for supper. Why don't you go inside and join your mother?"
David just nodded with a smile as he made ready to go inside.
"Oh, and David?" said Thomas. "Once you and Beatrice are ready, David, why don't you meet us at the pier?"
"Thomas is right, David," said Emily. "I'm sure there's going to be a good sunset tonight. Then we can talk all about today."
"Of course, you two," David said gently.
Thomas and Emily smiled and winked to David, then went on their way toward the pier to wait for the Riders.
David went inside the house, hung up his coat, then when he strode to the kitchen, a most welcoming and touching sight awaited his eyes. Beatrice had been preparing supper for the two of them in his absence, and now everything was plated up and ready to feast on. Roasted kippers with baked potatoes, freshly cut buns with aged cheese, a pitcher of lemonade and a bottle of ginger beer. David thought it was a feast fit for a King. But most attractive of all wasn't the food alone. In the middle of the table, Beatrice had made a big chocolate cake with a lovely, rich creamy brown color, topped with Mr. Jolly's finest chocolate syrup trickling down the sides. David simply could not wait to dig into all of this, and so they did.
David sat down right by Beatrice, and the two of them got right to their sublime supper together. Just like the Fat Controller's supper of kippers on the very night Fergus went missing, David found this supper to be most divine and rewarding. There couldn't be a better feast than this after such a moving, touching and powerfully felt day between himself, his mother, and of course his No. 12 Stirling Safety Engine and Thomas too. Once again as David ate and tasted the fish, the potatoes, the bread, the cheese and the ginger beer, he felt a particular significance in how good the food tasted and how rewarding it was after such a touching and well-spent day with his mother and his friends, once again making him think about what he would be typing tonight.
At last, supper was finished. Both David and Beatrice's plates were empty, and as David had been waiting for with sheer anticipation, it was finally time for the chocolate cake. Beatrice rose from her seat and David watched with a strong smile as she sliced into the cake, and gave David a substantial piece, as well as for herself. Then with no delay, she and David tucked into dessert. David drew his first forkful of the cake, then took it in. In that very moment, the sublime blend of sugar, cocoa, milk, icing and Mr. Jolly's chocolate syrup captured David's taste in a way he could not recall in any other chocolate he had tasted before. He recognized the syrup as being the very sort which Emily got covered in when she became Thomas' Chocolate Emerald, and he could ever-so slightly feel a sense of how infatuating it must have been for Thomas and Emily when they partook in that most deliciously romantic banter together. He and Beatrice continued to enjoy their cake until both their dessert plates were empty too.
David and Beatrice then got to cleaning the kitchen and putting the leftover food and the cake in their fridge, during which David confided to his mother.
"Mum…I do not know how you do it, but I don't believe Sodor could ask for a finer cake than yours."
Beatrice smiled playfully. "So it's my chocolate cake Sodor loves me for? If I stopped making it, would I still be Sodor's best counsellor?"
David held his mother's shoulders.
"Well, I could probably do without a few chocolate cakes, but I could never do without having you back in my life, Mum. Travelling all through England and Scotland to find you is still Emily's and my greatest adventure…and adventure for you."
Beatrice just smiled and hugged her son. When they let go, they looked at the clock and saw it was 7:30 p.m. The sun would be setting soon and David suddenly remembered.
"Say, Mum…I think Thomas and Emily will be waiting for us at the pier. It'll be sunset soon, and perhaps we can reflect on everything today."
Beatrice smiled. "Of course, David."
Then together, they headed for the door and ventured out into the coming evening.
Thomas and Emily were standing on the pier beside the Sea Emperor and looking out to sea, when they heard footsteps and looked back. There were David and Beatrice coming up right between them.
"Well, David and Beatrice? Did you have a filling supper?" Thomas asked.
"Any dessert?" Emily asked.
"Oh, Thomas and Emily. It's probably the best supper I've had yet," said David. "Kippers, baked potatoes, bread and cheese, lemonade and ginger beer. Mum had it all prepared on the table, and that wasn't even what caught my eye the most. She had a big chocolate cake with Mr. Jolly's syrup itself, and I can only wait until tomorrow for another slice!"
Thomas and Emily chuckled together as the Riders came alongside their buffer beams and joined their gaze out to the sunset. It was then that Thomas spoke again.
"Well, everyone. We've spent the whole day together and we've done our outings for the day…now, I think the time to talk has come. Emily?"
Emily perked up and looked to the Riders.
"Indeed, Thomas. It is time. So…David. It's been two weeks now, and you've been taking whatever time you could to reckon with all that had happened between you and Bernie. And here today, Thomas and I had no work to do, and to that effect, we gave you and Beatrice what we hope has turned out to be a perfect day in any way it could be. Now, we'd all like to know…what would you say about today's experience?"
David looked at his mother and both engines as he thought and reflected on all that had transpired today. Then after a minute or two, he looked to Thomas and Emily.
"Well, you two…taking everything into account, all our outings have been very touching, intimate and well-spent, with some unexpected and absolutely delightful surprises along the way…but all of that isn't the most significant part for me. You see, in the midst of everything we've done today, I've taken notice of something about myself. I've had this new certain feeling ever since I woke up this morning and had breakfast. Just taking in the taste of the food, the presence of having my mother with me and more…I felt a certain sense of significance I can't recall feeling prior to what had happened with Bernie. This feeling has persisted with me all throughout the day, at Shen Valley, at Black Loch, the seals of course, Callan Castle, the Whistling Woods, and even now, right up to such a sublime supper. I think Bernie's final outcome has made me view all the little pleasures we partake in every day in a completely different way. All the things we all do each and every day are not just mere routine. Little moments and outings like we partook in today are much more rewarding, precious and wholesome than some of us may realize. Being responsible, reliable and really useful are the hallmarks of Sodor and there's no question about any of that, but the pleasures, outings and gifts we endorse in, I believe must be treated with utmost appreciation, gratitude and even a sense of seriousness."
Thomas, Emily and Beatrice listened to everything and were quite moved by all David had to say. They sole agreed with everything he had just said, and were even more intrigued as to what he would probably type on the typewriter tonight. Then they looked up as David went on.
"Today has really touched me in ways I cannot recall feeling before. And it was all done through moments and outings that are arguably very simple to do…yet so much has come out of these little moments and outings, it's almost indescribable. Of course, I'll type in greater detail on the typewriter tonight, but what I'm saying right now is…Bernie's final outcome has shown me that days like this don't come as often as we may like to think, and when they do come along, we need to absolutely make all we can out of them, and see if we can make days like this more frequent than they are. It's connection, it's unity, it's trust, and purity. And it's something I wish we all had more of on Sodor. There are of course many on Sodor who know this to be true, but perhaps we can all take it more to heart than we may have before."
Thomas, Emily and Beatrice's hearts beat strongly and surely as they agreed with every word David had spoken. There was no question about it. Perfect days didn't come as often as some would think, and to make them more frequent than they are, efforts would have to be made.
"You are impeccably right, David," Thomas said at last. "I don't think Emily or I would have worded it any differently."
"You're absolutely right, Thomas," Emily added with a nod. "You and I have had many perfect days, as we all have had on Sodor, but indeed, great efforts of many kinds are made to see to it that they do come."
"I couldn't agree more," Beatrice added. "You all speak true on this matter, Thomas, Emily and David."
"And this is only part of what I've been thinking and feeling today," said David. "There's so much more for me to express about today."
"Well, David, you can express all you feel about today on the typewriter," Emily said with an assuring smile. "I know whatever you come up with could truly captivate anyone who could read it and hear about it."
"And so I will," David replied. "I have everything I need to bring it to full fruition, and I'll write all about it tonight."
"Of course, David. But for now…let us all take in the view here while it lasts," Emily said as she looked out to the sea. "Until the light leaves this day, and night descends with the moon and stars for Sodor to await another new day."
And so they did. Thomas, Emily, David and Beatrice all stood at the pier for a long time, watching as the sun slowly dipped through the sky and over the horizon. Throughout the sky, the clouds were drifting and flowing very slowly and gradually changed colour to the coming evening. Blues, pinks, yellows and golds. It was a truly picturesque sight as was every sunset in its own way. Thomas could vividly remember how he stood on the quay with Duck and Percy shortly after Harold gave them the flag from the Regatta all those years ago, but in contrast to Duck's dreams of what lay beyond the horizon, Thomas, Emily and David had already been there themselves, on Thomas' journey beyond Sodor, and David and Emily's adventure to find Beatrice, both of which were most unforgettable adventures full of memories to last for always. And here and now, both engines and both Riders stood together in unity and belonging to this perfect day's last gift to give before night would come.
At last, when the sun finally set and the light began to fade, it was approaching 9:00. As the stars began to appear through the sky, Thomas and Emily felt the need to go on their way and call it a day themselves.
"Well…it's done," Thomas said gently. "Another perfect day has been spent in all the best ways we could spend it. Together."
"Yes, Thomas. Another perfect day this was indeed," said Emily. "I am very happy we could spend it together…and to see you take so strongly to such a wonderful day, David…it really touches me to see you this enthused and this enthralled with everything we interact with here on Sodor."
David got on Emily's running plate and held her cheeks.
"I'm very touched by how I got to see you so happy today, Emily," he said with a smile. "Especially at Black Loch and the seals. That is truly a sign of today being a perfect day, and for that and everything else today, I can only say…thank you. Thank you both for everything today. I really do feel in a better inner position than I did two weeks ago."
"We're both very pleased to hear that, David," said Thomas. "I believe Emily and I have had a perfect day today too."
"Of course we have, Thomas," said Emily. "And David, if you feel your spirits begin to wilt anytime after today, keep your chin up…like Thomas and I shall be doing tonight."
David saw Emily wink sweetly and knew just what she meant by this, as did Thomas, who blushed very lightly at the prospect.
"Well, David and Beatrice…I think Emily and I will be on our way now," he said a little bashfully.
"Well, we'll leave you both to it," Beatrice chimed cheerfully. "Goodnight, Thomas and Emily."
"Goodnight, David and Beatrice," Emily smiled. "See you again soon."
"Goodnight," David waved as both engines set off down the line together.
Thomas and Emily ventured through the village, then Emily left to find a turntable, then returned facing him Thomas. Now they were ready. Thomas then buffered up to Emily, then the two of them rode through the coming night together. After such a perfect day as this, there was only one place for them to be now until the night would be over.
As dark of night settled over the island, Thomas and Emily returned to Knapford and slipped right into Knapford Sheds. The doors closed behind them and they were now nestled in the warm and private shelter of their beloved Love Shed. Emily took a deep breath and sighed contently as she could now rest her wheels and cool her firebox, as could Thomas.
"Wow, Thomas," she said softly. "Today really has been a perfect day. Not just for David, but for Beatrice, and you and me too."
"I know, Emily," said Thomas. "Of course, David needed today to help come to terms with what ended up happening to Bernie, but as we've seen and experienced, today didn't just touch David. It touched all of us. I…I truly can't put my buffer on what happened at Black Loch…you and David and the seals…"
"Ohh…I know, Thomas!" Emily chimed with utmost delight. "Even I never thought such a thing as that would happen, but it did…and I will always remember that little moment. This truly has been another perfect day. Truly."
"Yes, Emily. It has been indeed," Thomas smiled. "And now…just between you and me…we can have another perfect night too. What do you think?"
Emily's eyes glimmered lovingly and her cheeks gave a very light pink blush as she smiled very sweetly to Thomas, then whispered very gently.
"Oh, Thomas…you even need to ask? Of course we can have a perfect night...so, what are you waiting for? Come here, Thomas, It's just you and me tonight. Kiss me, Thomas. Please kiss my cheeks. Please, please?"
"Shh…Emily…" Thomas whispered. "Of course I'll kiss you. Just like always…"
He buffered right up to his angel, gently leaned in and started kissing Emily's beloved cheeks over and over, but didn't proceed too strongly. Tonight would be a night of soft and quiet nurtures between them. A more passionate session would be saved for another time, most likely before dawn. Thomas kissed leisurely and gently along Emily's soft and warm face, watching as her cheek pressed inward, then slowly puffed out again when he let go after each kiss, all while Emily kept blushing and whimpering happily as she felt lovely little tickles wriggling through her boiler. After a few minutes, Thomas paused and looked right into Emily's twinkling eyes and smiled.
"You're beautiful," he whispered.
"Thank you," she whispered in turn as Thomas leaned in again and kissed her little nose. "Oh-oh-oh…! Thomas…oh, that's so sweet…"
"Your nose is even sweeter," Thomas whispered as he nibbled the tip of it very softly. "Tickle-tickle-tickle…"
"Ooh…T-Thomas, that t-t-tickles…" Emily tittered quietly. "Tee-hee-hee…!"
Thomas then leaned in just a little bit and kissed Emily's nose right on her left nostril, then kissed her right nostril, to which Emily gave an adorable little squeal and let off a little wisp of steam.
"Oh-ohh! Oh, Thomas…you're so sweet," Emily giggled as her steam hissed softly through the shed.
Thomas' boiler glowed happily as Emily took a few deep breaths to help her body relax. Then a few moments later, she looked right at Thomas.
"Now it's your turn, my smoochie-coochie tank engine," she said very cutely.
Then Emily closed her eyes and puckered her big, lovely lips as she proceeded to kiss Thomas' cheeks, softly blushing red and humming her lovely little tune as she kissed him.
"La-la-la, la-la…Mmm-ah. La-la-la-la, la-laa…Mmm-ah," she hummed and softly sang through her kisses. "De-dee-de-de, de-de. La-la-laa, la-la. Mmm-ah."
"Oh…oh, Emily…I love you…" Thomas whispered.
"Yes, Tommy. I love you too," Emily whispered as she kissed his little love spot a few times over. "Kiss-kiss…oh, Thomas. Kiss-kiss…"
Thomas had to utter a small groan and a deeper blush coursed over his cheeks as Emily softly trailed her lips along his face and kept blessing his cheeks with her soft and warm kisses like petals of a flower brushing along his face. Thomas couldn't hold back the tickles in his boiler as he felt every beloved kiss his angel and wife planted on his cheeks. After a few minutes, she paused and looked right into his eyes just as he did with her.
"You're very handsome," she whispered.
"Thank you," Thomas whispered in turn. Then Emily leaned in and kissed his nose. "Oh…oh, Emily…you're very sweet too…"
"Yes, Thomas…ohh…"
Emily crooned and purred lovingly as she ever-so softly nibbled on his love spot, which was enough to make Thomas give her a little wisp of steam too.
"O-oh…Emily…" Thomas whispered happily. "My sweet, beautiful angel, princess and queen…my beloved emerald wife…I'll always love you."
"Oh, Thomas," Emily whispered just as happily. "My cute and handsome star, prince and king…my beloved cobalt husband, I'll always love you too."
Then Emily closed her eyes and puckered her lips again, inviting Thomas right in, and so he complied with both of them softly kissing each other's lips, feeling only the warm and soft hold of their lips dancing softly together. The perfect day had indeed become a perfect night for both Thomas and Emily, and so they continued for a fair while exchanging nuzzles, nibbles and kisses to each other's cheeks until they both yawned softly together and were keen to go to bed.
"That was lovely, Thomas," Emily whispered as she snuggled to his face. "Sweet dreams, my handsome cobalt star. I love you, so much."
"You're the loveliest being in the whole world, Emily," Thomas whispered as he snuggled her too. "Sweet dreams, my beautiful emerald angel. I love you too. So much."
They then kissed each other goodnight and fell sound asleep in a warm and safe cuddle to each other's cheeks, soon in a deep and blissful sleep and dreaming peacefully together, as it would be all through the night for them both.
By this time in Arlesburgh, it was approaching 11:30 p.m. Almost midnight. Beatrice was just about ready for bed, and David was just about ready to head for his typewriter and put forth his entry before he went to bed himself.
"Well, Mum…the time has now come," he said softly. "A perfect day this has been for all of us, and I am very keen to put this entry forth."
"I'm sure you are, David," Beatrice smiled gently. "And I know it's going to be something truly special for whoever could read it. Goodnight, my dear."
Beatrice hugged her son and went upstairs to bed. David then waited a few minutes to let the house settle. Then as soon as he was ready, he looked to his desk. His typewriter was sitting there and waiting to be used. Within a few moments, in the dark and quiet stillness of the night, David sat down at the desk, turned on the small lamp, rolled a fresh sheet of paper through the knob and put the typewriter to action. Through several minutes to count, with many tapping keys, a few dings from the typewriter and drawing the carriage return lever, David typed down everything, and in the end, his entry came out like this:
In many ways, the life of a soldier is straightforward in what it is. We are very set
in our ways and in our views on what it means to be a strong and purposeful man.
We thrive on high standards, practical logic and a strict, but fair position of stature,
and our service to Her Majesty's Navy is of utmost significance and great dignity.
But there are times when even a soldier must truly relish in something arguably
greater than his service to any Navy, and that is the embellishment and enjoyment
of what I consider to be another perfect day. Many across Sodor go through life as
mere routine, simply taking whatever comes and goes as they go about their own
business, but today's experience has probably touched me the most deeply and the
most profoundly of any other simple day I've spent when I didn't have work to
adhere to, given the events that unfolded only two weeks ago.
Through all the little yet heartfelt and dearly beloved things I have done today with
my mother, Thomas and of course my best friend, Emily, it seems like nothing moves.
Everything falls quiet and still, quite like Henry's beloved forest with its broad oaks
and tall pines. Today, my shadows have been lit and moved away with the wind.
After two long weeks of reckoning with all that had happened between myself
and Bernie, today's perfect day has left me with a warm beat in my heart, and
even more importantly, it has left me with a most moving and powerful reminder:
Many of us are often blind to the little gifts, treasures and chinks of light we all get
to experience each and every day, and my experience today couldn't be a more
powerful reminder of all the things we really do have in our lives. Family, friends,
loved ones, hopes, dreams, good food, a warm hearth, and all the comforts of home.
All of these are not just another piece of life. These are all things we must never take
for granted. Rather, all of us must be forever grateful for such moments and gifts as
this, whatever the times may be like, be they good, bad, in the middle or however it
may be flowing. To this effect, I believe with an open mind that a few others on the
Island of Sodor can and should take this message to heart and share it with all their
friends and loved ones.
In conclusion, days like this should always remain.
Another Perfect Day.
Yours truly…
With that, David's entry for his perfect day was complete. He drew the paper out of the typewriter and looked it over word for word. Then he drew a pen and placed his signature at the bottom in black ink. After that, he placed his entry right on top of the typewriter and smiled as he went upstairs, changed into his nightwear and got into bed. With his blanket over him, David lay on his side and looked outside to the starry night and his beloved ship standing grandly along the pier. Today had indeed been quite an experience to remember with fondness and spirit, and so tonight would be felt just the same. With a quiet sigh, David fell asleep and rested untroubled all through the night, as did his mother.
And so this had indeed been another perfect day, for Thomas, Emily, Beatrice and particularly David. Days like this aren't as frequent as many may think, and when they do come along, they need to be enjoyed, appreciated and treasured in every way that is possible. And this lesson would only grow stronger and stronger and more and more relevant yet, on account that summer wasn't quite over yet…and as such, there was yet one other most unexpected phenomenon to befall a few certain engines…somewhere beyond Sodor. But that's another story.
Well, this may have been uploaded sooner, if not for the site glitching like a bugger recently. A much needed epilogue to "My Duty is Clear", and now we're finally moving forward. And yes, the song playing on the radio at the beginning is "The Island Song" from Series 4. The next story will certainly be a very unexpected one; hell, even I'm still a bit surprised I thought about doing it, but you'll have to wait and see what that story entails. Until then, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.