A/N: Warning: This chapter is adapted from a controversial episode. If you have strong feelings of dislike or even hatred for it, please exit immediately. Those who stay do so at their own discretion. You have been warned.

Chapter 215: Home is Where the Heart Is

The engine drivers of Tidmouth Sheds waited with baited breath to hear news of James's condition. They didn't have to wait long, as Sir Topham Hatt soon arrived with the news.

"I just got off the phone with the hospital. James woke up this morning. He's still in no condition to work, but they expect him to make a full recovery in a month."

A massive sigh of relief ran through the crowd. While James could be a prat at times, he was one of them all the same. Rosie especially was relieved.

"However, that is not the only reason I have come here. As you know, the hole in the shed from the impact hasn't been fully repaired yet. Well, I spoke to the contractor today, and he's informed me that the accident has uncovered structural damage that has gone unseen for years. As of today, I'm afraid I will have to close off the sheds and attached house until the matter can be fixed."

A collected groan ran through the crowd, only to be silenced by Sir Topham Hatt.

"I understand your frustration, but this has to be done. If left unattended, these problems could cause the whole building to collapse. Please make this as easy as possible."

With that, he took his leave, and his employees began to make alternative arrangements for the indeterminate future. Fortunately, it wasn't very hard. Gordon and Henry took shelter at Knapford, Edward decided to stay at Wellsworth, and Thomas, Emily, and Percy returned to Ffarquhar. While the situation wasn't favorable, they all understood it was for the greater good.

Edward sat down, ready for a quiet evening of reading when there was a knock at the door.

"That's odd. Who could be knocking at this hour."

Opening the door, he found the saddest sight he had ever seen. There on the small porch was a boy no older than 8, covered from head to toe in dirt and grime. His clothes were torn with multiple holes, and he was as thin as a sheet.

"Could you spare some food, mister? Please, anything you have, I'll take."

Edward grimaced. No child should ever have to go hungry.

"Come on in, I'll make you some soup."

"Oh, I don't want to-"

"I insist. Really, it's no trouble, I could use the company."

Relucantly, the boy took Edward's hand and let him lead him into the kitchen. While they ate, Edward got to know him.

"What's your name?"

"Phillip."

"Where are your parents, Phillip? A kid your age shouldn't be out at night alone."

Philliip's face fell, and Edward regretted asking immediately.

"They're...gone. I've been bounced from foster home to foster home, but right now I don't have any place to call home."

He held up a small locket, opening it to reveal a picture of him as a baby with his parents.

"This locket is all I have to remember them by. The last thing I remember of them is mom telling me she loves me, and then..."

Tears welled up in his eyes, crying softly as Edward tried to comfort him.

"Thanks for the food, mister. I'd better get going."

"Wait. Why don't you stay here for a while?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude."

"You won't. I just can't stand by and let a child starve."

And so it was decided. Edward arranged with Sir Topham Hatt and the authorities to let Phillip stay with him. On days where he was working, Boco would keep an eye on Phillip. If Boco couldn't, then Phillip would travel with him. Over time, the two became close. Very close indeed...

One night, Edward was reading his book when Phillip came over to him.

"Phillip? What's wrong?"

"I can't sleep. Could you...could you read me a story."

Edward smiled.

"Sure. In fact, I have the perfect one in mind."

So Edward carried Phillip back to bed and got ready to read him a story. Philip hung on to every word, anxious to hear what happens next.

"...And the driver said 'I'll get my paint out tomorrow, and give you a beautiful new coat of blue with red stripes. Then you'll be the smartest engine in the shed. The end."

"Wow! This Wilbert Awdry wrote stories based off of you and your friends."

"He sure did. Perhaps I'll read you another one some time, but for now you need your rest. Goodnight, Philip."

"Goodnight, Edward."

As Edward watched Phillip drift off to sleep, his mind drifted to something that had been on it for a few days now. He and Phillip had become rather close. So close, they were almost like a family. He knew Phillip deserved one, and...

He smiled. He had decided on just what to do.

The next day, Sir Topham Hatt called everyone back to Tidmouth.

"I am happy to announce that the shed and house have been fully repaired and are now safe to resume operations. Now you may all return to your home."

"Um, excuse me sir? There's something I'd like to say."

All eyes fell on Edward. Nervously, he stepped forward.

"I'm not moving back in. I've decided to stay at Wellsworth."

"What?!"

Edward told them all about Philip and the bond they'd forged.

"I'm going to adopt him and move to Wellsworth full time to look after him."

"I see. Well, if that's your decision, then so be it."

Later that day, Edward was packing the last of his things into a suitcase when Thomas came in.

"If you're going to try and dissuade me..."

"I'm not. I just wanted to say that I think you're making the right decision."

Edward was rather speechless.

"You do?"

"Yeah. From what you've told us, the kid's had a rough life. Having someone like you around will keep him off the streets into a loving home."

Edward smiled warmly.

"It pleases me to hear you say that. Truth be told, you're part of the reason why I made this decision."

"Really?"

"Seeing you with Annie and Clarabel, not to mention Emily, it makes me want a family of my own. And with Phillip I now have it."

"Well, I'll warn you, its not all fun and games. Those two have nearly given me a heart attack more times than I can count. But at the end of the day, its the most rewarding feeling in the world."

"Indeed it is. Well, I'd better get going."

"Oh, and Edward? I just wanted to let you know that I've always thought of you as an older brother."

Edward smiled.

"And I've thought of you as a younger brother. Take care, Thomas."

"Take care, Edward. I know you'll be an amazing father."

When Philip received the news, he leapt into Edward's arms, tears of joy running down his face. He finally knew that he belonged.

"I love you, dad."

"I love you too, Philip."

A/N: Another trilogy done! Truth be told, this three parter has been a year in the making. I first started writing this as a semi request for Scrubb1910, but knowing how much controversy the last episode in this mini-saga has received, I wasn't exactly jumping at the ready to publish it. But with the news that a new revamp of the series is coming next year, I thought it'd be appropriate to do it now.

On that note, I'd like to say something regarding the BWBA era of the show. As you may or may not have noticed, I have completely left it untouched. That's because I haven't quite figured out how to handle the international episodes, as well as just a personal indifference towards the seasons. However, I will say this: Is it really worse than the Hit entertainment era? Look, the writing is not Season 1-4, let's get that out of the way. But is it really worse than constant rhyming, alliteration, and stupid one dimensional characters? If that's your opinion, then good for you. Its your opinion, and your welcome to it. But in my opinion, calling it the worse era of the show completely disregards the good things it does give us: Varied locations and casts, the ability to experiment with new things with the imagination spots, and overall interesting characters. Its by no means perfect, but I can't say I hate them. Besides, with the drastic differences coming next year, I'd say this is just the calm before the storm.

Thank you all for reading, and I'll see you next time.