Chapter 249: Escape From Misty Island Part 8

Everyone waited with baited breath on the dockside, hoping the ship would return with Thomas on board. At last, the ship pulled into the dock and the gangway was dropped. The Rescue team were the first ones off the ship, followed by Ferdinand and the twins. Emily came out next, everyone's eyes on her. Emily just smiled wide.

"He's home."

Everyone cheered as Thomas walked down the gangway, swarming him and talking so fast he could barely catch his breath.

"Thomas, are you alright?"

"What happened, were you scared?"

"Who are these three? Did you meet them while you were shipwrecked?"

"Did you-"

"SILENCE!"

The crowd dispersed as Sir Topham Hatt strode up to the front, smiling.

"Its good to have you home, Thomas. I don't know what the Island would do without you!"

"Its good to be home, sir."

"Sadly, without the Jobi Wood, construction on the Rescue Center has ground to a halt. I've tried contacting the lumber company, but it'll still take a few months to prepare and ship it."

"Jobi Wood? What's it look like?"

Confused, Ferdinand was led to the construction site, where he took a good look at the material. A broad grin spread across his face.

"There's a lot of this growing on Misty Island! Most of the machinery is still in good shape, and we should be able to get the logging camp back in business in about a fortnight!"

Everyone cheered in happiness. They could finish the center at last!"

Later that night, Emily practically dragged Thomas into the house.

"Ow, ow, ow, Emily you're hurting me! Can you at least slow down!"

"Sorry Thomas, but I'm just so excited! There's something you need to see."

Begrudgingly, Thomas allowed himself to be dragged to what he thought was an empty room, only to be surprised when he opened it to see his son sleeping soundly. Thomas couldn't help but shed a tear of joy.

"Is...is he..."

"Meet your son. I named him Thomas, after I thought you..."

Thomas carefully lifted him out of the crib, gently cradling him as his smile grew wider.

"Hey there, little guy. I'm your daddy..."

To his surprise, little Thomas opened his eyes, and his father thought he was going to cry. But instead he let out a light giggle, making Thomas breathe a sigh of relief.

"You know Emily, I think everything's going to be okay."

"With you back, Thomas, I have no doubt about that."

It took a while, but soon Jobi logs were being shipped from Misty Island, and construction on the rescue center began again. It took a long time, and there was a lot of work to catch up on, but at long last the job was finished. Sir Topham Hatt stepped up to the podium to make a small speech.

"Ladies and gentleman, this has been by no means a small feat of construction. In fact, if it weren't for our new friends, it may not have happened at all. But thanks to all of your hard work, we now have a dedicated base for all emergency services on Sodor. All of you have been really useful!"

Everyone clapped and cheered, tired but triumphant.

"And because of how much he's had to go through, I think its only fair that Thomas be the one to cut the open! Get up here!"

Thomas climbed the stairs, eagerly taking the scissors.

"I now declare this Search and Rescue Center open!"

The crowd burst into cheers as the ribbon fell apart, officially marking their hard work finished. But as the group cheered, a sinister figure watched from atop a nearby cliff, snarling at the happy scene.

"Have your fun now, fools. I'll have my revenge soon..."

With that he slunk away, plotting his next move.

To be continued...