Chapter 208: Welcome Home

One evening, the Ffarquhar branchline got a postcard from Thomas and Emily at the National Railway Museum in York.

"Dear friends,

Our time here in York has wonderful. We even prevented a nasty accident! As thanks, the museum made our engine and us honorary members. All the same, we can't wait to get home.

See you soon,

Thomas, Emily, Annie, and Clarabel.

P.S. If you see Duck, could you ask him about Broad Gauge? Annie and Clarabel want to know."

This made them all smile. They were happy their friends were having a good time.

One morning, Daisy was making her way to Elsbridge when she stopped at a level crossing. Workmen were there repairing the road that ran alongside it. With them was George, who was none to keen to see Daisy.

"Railways are no good! Turn them into roads! Rip them up, turn them into roads! Railways are no good, turn them into roads!"

"Oh, you're George. Thomas warned me about you. Will you give it a rest, already? Without the railway, no one would be able to reach the villages in the valley."

"Please, I'd just tarmac over it. My mates on the mainland have been doing it for years."

Daisy paid George no mind and went back to work. Later that night, Daisy told them what George had said. This made Toby worry.

"I don't know, Daisy, he's not wrong. That's what happened to my old line."

"Don't you worry, Toby," soothed Percy. "Sir Topham Hatt would never allow it."

But Toby still had his doubts. Daisy felt better, but made sure to be extra careful around George and his crew. The last thing she wanted was to add unneeded conflict.

Then one afternoon, after she had brought the morning shift from the quarry back home, she saw Toby on the platform, looking much more cheery. In his hands was a letter.

"Thomas and Emily will be coming home in a week! Sir Topham Hatt is arranging a welcome home party for them."

This made Daisy very happy indeed, and she could care less about George. Speaking of which...

"Railways are no good, turn them into roads! Rip them up, turn them into roads! Railways are..."

"Yeah yeah, keep a lid on it. Our friends are coming back the National Railway Museum in York, where they became local heroes. What do you think of that?"

"Puh. A museum is the perfect place for antiques like steam engines. Railways are the past, roads are the future! Railways are the past, Roads are the future!"

Daisy just rolled her eyes and drove away. George was getting on her last nerve.

At last, everything was ready. Percy and Toby had already left for the junction, and Daisy was bringing up the rear with a special train. Its passengers consisted of all the stationmasters along the line, The kyndleys, Jack and Isobella, and other people along the branchline. Daisy beamed with pride as her railcar purred down the line.

"This ought to show that mean old George," she sniffed. But danger lay ahead. At the level crossing, the workmen had finished their job and headed home. But they had forgotten a traffic cone, and a gust of wind blew it onto the tracks. Daisy couldn't see it until it was too late.

"WOAH!"

She applied the brakes, but before they could stop the cone crunched underneath the engine's wheels. Daisy got out to inspect the damage. The brakes were jammed hard on.

"Grr, I'll bet it was that George's doing. When I get my hands on him, I'll-"

"Never mind that," the guard sighed. "I'll phone for help."

A fitter came, but it took a long time to mend the brakes, but at long last, Daisy could get going again, running very late.

By the time she reached the junction, she could see a large crowd gathered on the platform. As she pulled in, they started cheering. This made Daisy upset.

"Oh dear, we're already too late. Stupid George."

But then she noticed something.

"Hey, where's Thomas?"

"He's not here yet!" Toby laughed. "We were cheering for you!"

"Me? But I'm late!"

"But you still tried your best to make it on time, and that's what matters! And don't worry, George's company was fined for littering."

This made Daisy chuckle. Just then, the signal arm dropped, and a very familiar whistle sounded. The light train pulled into the platform, and Thomas, Emily, Annie, and Clarabel stepped out, weary but triumphant. The honorary plaque they had received was tucked beneath Thomas's arm.

"Miss us?"

The crowd erupted into cheers once more, and Sir Topham Hatt stepped up to make a speech.

"Welcome home, Thomas and Emily."

"Hey!"

"...And Annie and Clarabel. We are all proud of you, and delighted to see you back. You have been a credit to the Island of Sodor. For Cheers for Thomas and Emily!"

As the crowd applauded, Thomas and Emily beamed. It was good to be home.