Chapter 125: Oliver the Snowman
Winter is a beloved season on Sodor. The residents love to go sledding down hills, build snowmen, or just simply catch snowflakes on their tongue. However, not everyone likes winter. Some, like Oliver, despise the whole season.
"Why should we have to work in this weather? Its not fit for man or beast."
"Speak for yourself," grumbled Bulgy, "At least they keep your tracks clear. The roads are so icy that I've almost crashed three times this week alone."
"Beg your pardon, but I think snow is wonderful."
"Yon Toad is right. I remember when me and Douggie were wee laddies, we would go out into the snow and build giant snow forts and have snowball fights. Remember that, Douggie?"
"Aye, and I remember that I won the great Snowball war."
"It was a tie, and you know it."
"Don't you mind Oliver. He's just a Scrooge."
"Bah Humbug."
And with that, Oliver stormed out. Toad turned to the others.
"Don't mind my brother. He used to love snow as a kid, but our parents died when we were young. After that, he had to grow up fast to take care of both him and me and didn't really have time for fun anymore. Winter just reminds him of all of the hard years we've faced."
Everyone felt sorry for Oliver and Toad.
Later that day, Oliver and Toad were doing passenger runs when they passed by the village square. The villagers were building a snowman, hoping to break the world record for the largest tallest snowman. Every time Oliver and Toad passed the square, the snowman got bigger, and bigger, and bigger! Toad thought it was amazing, but Oliver could care less.
"What did I tell you, Mr. Oliver? Snow is magical."
"Bah! Humbug."
"I don't think you mean that. I think you just need a tickle!"
"Not if you value your arms (A/N: Anyone else remember this show?)."
Later that evening, Oliver and Toad returned home to find Sir Topham Hatt waiting for them.
"Tidmouth Village's coal reserve has run out. I need you to take some their immediately."
"But sir, its freezing outside. Can't Donald or Douglas do it?"
"Really Useful Engine drivers don't argue."
So Oliver reluctantly coupled up to the train and set off for the village. The journey went well, until Oliver went to apply the brakes. The engine slid on the slippery rails, but worse lay ahead. The villager's snowman lay directly at the end of the tracks.
"Oh S-"
With a loud CRASH! They ran right into the snowman, knocking its head off and reducing it to a pile of snow. Oliver and Toad weren't hurt, but they did feel very sorry for themselves.
"Oh no, and after all the work they went through."
"Now they won't get the record, and its all my fault."
They called for the breakdown train, but a heavy snowstorm would fall soon and one couldn't get there until morning. Oliver and Toad booked a room at a nearby inn, afraid of what would happen the next morning.
They arrived at the town square next morning to find the villagers standing there, looking at them. Oliver took a deep sigh.
"I'm so, so, sooooo sorry about this. The rails were too icy and I couldn't stop in time. I know you all put so much work into it, and…"
"Oliver, it's okay."
Oliver stood agape.
"What?"
"We understand it was an accident. To be honest, it wasn't well done anyway. Besides, we still have a week before an official from Guiness arrives, plenty of time to rebuild it. Would you like to help?"
Oliver thought for a minute before smiling.
"I would love to. Come on, Toad!"
Oliver and Toad worked all morning until Oliver arrived with the breakdown train. They were sad to go, but the villagers told them they were welcome to come back and help whenever they could.
And help they did. Every second of free time the two had, they went back to the village and worked as hard as they could. Duck and the Scottish twins helped as well, but none more than Oliver. And by the next Saturday, their snowman was 3 stories tall.
"We're sure to win the record with this."
The Guiness official arrived next morning. He looked up and down the giant snowman, taking measurements and writing things down on his clipboard. At last, he turned to them.
"Ladies and gentleman, I am sorry to say…"
Everyone's head hung in sadness.
"That you have officially broke the record! Congratulations!"
The whole village burst out into cheers.
"We couldn't have done it without Oliver and Toad."
"Three cheers for Oliver and Toad! Hip Hip…"
"Hooray!"
"Hip Hip…"
"Hooray!"
"Hip Hip…"
"Hooray!"
Oliver just beamed with pride.
"You know Toad, maybe snow isn't so bad after all. I can't say I didn't have fun building this snowman."
"Its like I've always been trying to tell you, bro. Snow is magical.
"Absolutely!