Chapter 102: Mind That Bike

Percy loves working on the Island of Sodor. He works hard no matter what task he is given, but his favorite job is the post train. He loves seeing the smiling faces of his friends when he gives them a letter or parcel, and the early morning air on his face. But most of all he loves seeing his good friend Tom Tipper.

Tom is a postman who lives at the top village of Thomas's branchline. Every day he takes letters and parcels from Thomas and Percy's trains, then delivers them to people all over Sodor to where the rails can't run. He's a cheerful man, and always has a kind word to give. Everybody likes Tom, and Tom likes everybody.

Thomas and Percy especially like him, as he always helps them load and unload the vans, making their jobs easier.

"Thank you, Tom," said Percy one night as he got ready to leave.

"Yes, indeed," said Thomas, "You're a really useful postman."

"Ah, shucks, Thomas," Tom blushed, "Think nothing of it. I'm just an ordinary man making an honest living. But where would I be without my van? We make a grand pair."

And with a toot of the horn, he drove off into the night.

One day, Thomas and Percy were waiting at the platform for Tom.

"He's not usually this late. I hope nothing has happened to him."

"Things happen, Percy. I'm sure he'll be here any minute."

A few minutes passed before a postman they had never seen before peddled into the station. He was on a small bicycle and was balancing his bags on the handlebars. He was rather cross, dumping the bags on the platform before peddling away without saying a word to Thomas or Percy. They were speechless.

"Well I'll be. He didn't look very happy."

"No, but can you blame him? Having to deliver mail on such a small bike, it's a wonder he even manages to stay up right."

"I suppose you have a point there. I feel sorry for the poor fellow."

The next day Tom was back, but he looked miserable. Instead of his shiny van, he was riding a dirty bicycle. Percy could tell that something was wrong.

"Ahoy Tom, what happened to your van?"

"That blasted postmaster said it was too expensive and replaced it with this cheap bicycle he bought used. I don't know why he's complaining now. I've used it for years and have never had any problem maintaining it, but he won't listen. I'm sorry, but I can't stay and help you. I'm late enough already."

"I understand, Tom. I'm sorry about your van. I wish there was something I could do."

"Thanks, Percy. But unless you can somehow change my boss's mind, I'm stuck with this thing."

Tom was just about to leave when the stationmaster came up.

"Sir Topham Hatt needs to see you in his office. Something about important paperwork."

Tom grew crosser still.

"Perfect, now I'll be even more late. I'd be surprised if I don't get fired for this. Percy, would you mind watching the bike for me?"

"Sure thing, Tom."

Tom propped his bike against the station wall and followed the stationmaster into the station. Several minutes had gone by without any incident. Percy still had some time before he had to leave, so he decided to get a snack from the refreshment lady. But little did he know that he hadn't set the brakes properly.

While Percy was away, several boys ran up onto the platform. They thought it would be fun to ride Tom's bike on the platform. The youngest one, on a dare from his friends, got on the bike and started peddling. But he didn't know how to ride a bike yet and started wobbling. Percy got out just in time and stopped him before he had a terrible accident. He propped the bike against the train and turned his attention to the boys.

"What you did was very dangerous. And you two, how could you let your friend do that when you knew he couldn't ride a bike yet?"

"We're sorry, sir, we just wanted to have some fun."

"There are other, safer ways to do that. We're just lucky you didn't get hurt, and that the bike…"

CRUNCH!

"…Is now in pieces. Bother."

While Percy's back was turned, the engine had crept forward. The bike fell onto the rails and was crushed under the weight of the train.

When Tom got out they told him the bad news.

"I'm sorry, Tom. I should've made sure the brakes were on properly."

"It's okay Percy, I'm just glad no one was hurt. But what will I tell my supervisor."

He found out the next day. When Percy arrived at the top station the next morning, he found Tom to be a more cheerful person. There, standing in the parking lot, was his old van, looking better than ever.

"Turns out those bicycles have been doing more harm than good and were just a disaster waiting to happen. Your accident yesterday proved to the postmaster that they weren't better after all, and he reinstated my van. Thank you, Percy. Now I don't have to worry about being late."

Percy just smiled.

"Well, would you look at that. I helped Tom after all, albeit by accident."