The sun was rising over the Island of Sodor. At Wellsworth Station, Percy was completing his mail deliveries. He was ready to go back to Tidmouth Sheds for a rest when the porter called out to him. "Hang on, Percy. There's a card for you on the Mail Train today."

"For me? Who's it from?"

"This card's come all the way from China."

Percy gasped. "You mean it's from Thomas?!"

"That's right. It says, 'Dear Percy, China is so amazing. I really wish you were here to see it too.'"

"Alright, that's enough for now," laughed Percy's Driver. "We must get back to Tidmouth."

The porter gave the postcard to the Driver, and they set off. "Aw, Thomas," sighed Percy, "I miss you too."

When the engines got back to the Sheds that evening, they were excited to hear from Thomas too. Everyone listened as Percy's Driver read the card. "'The towns and traditions here are so beautiful and so are their New Year Celebrations. I'm with Yong Bao from the Great Railway Show and he's been showing me around, but I made some new friends as well.

'Hong-Mei is the number 1 engine here and she pulls the Mail Train too. Sending this postcard was her idea so you could see the Dragon Boat Race. It was great. There was a new boat this year and it came in first.

'I can't wait to tell you and everyone else more about my trip when I get back. Signed, Thomas.'"

"It sounds like he's doing well out there," said Toby.

"I can't wait for Thomas to come home," added Rebecca.

"Neither can I," agreed Percy and as the other engines went to sleep, Percy couldn't stop thinking about Thomas.

The next morning, the Fat Controller arrived. "Connor has broken down, so another engine will be bringing his train today. His name is Mitchell." He then turned to Percy. "Percy, Rosie has gone to the Steamworks for repairs, so I want you to help at Vicarstown until she gets back.

"Yes, Sir," whistled Percy. He had not worked in Vicarstown Yard for a long time, but he set off as quickly as he could.

Later, Percy was shunting some coaches to the platform when he heard an unfamiliar whistle and steaming into the station was one of the biggest engines he had ever seen. It had shiny purple paint with red stripes and looked very smart. That must be Mitchell, Percy thought, and he watched as the big engine was uncoupled and left for the Yard.

Percy went to the water tower for a drink. He saw the new engine resting in the Shed. "Hullo," he called, "are you Mitchell?"

"Yes, hullo," said the engine.

"I'm Percy. Welcome to Sodor."

"…Thank you."

Percy thought something was bothering Mitchell; he seemed nervous. "Is everything alright?" he asked.

"Yes…maybe."

"Come along, Percy," said his Driver. "Those trucks won't shunt themselves."

"I hope we can talk later," Percy said to Mitchell and puffed away, but all the time he was arranging trucks and coaches, he was sure Mitchell was troubled about something.

That night, Henry, Hank and Murdoch arrived, and they said 'hullo' to Mitchell too. The new engine replied and thanked them, but when they tried to talk with him, he barely said a word.

"What's the matter?" asked Henry.

"Nothing," said Mitchell, "I'm just…tired." And he closed his eyes.

"I think something's wrong with him," whispered Murdoch.

"That's what I think," Percy whispered back.

"Well, whatever it is, we should find out in the morning," yawned Hank and the other engines agreed.

When morning came, the sun was bright and the sky blue, but Mitchell seemed to have trouble starting. "Come along, Mitchell," fussed his Driver, "The passengers will be waiting." Mitchell looked at the Station and then at his buffers.

The other engines were concerned. Mudoch spoke first. "Are you feeling alright-?"

"Yes!" snapped Mitchell, but he then looked surprised by how loud he said it.

"No, you're not," said Percy. "I can tell that something has been bothering you since yesterday. Please tell us what's wrong. We're worried about you."

Mitchell looked at the other engines and took a deep breath. "…I'm scared."

"Scared of what?" asked Henry.

"I…I've never been to Sodor before."

"But you said you wanted to come here," said his Driver.

"Yes, but it feels different now that I am here," Mitchell protested and looked at the other engines. "I've heard so much about this place from the other engines on the Mainland. You engines are so famous and I'm…ordinary. I don't think anyone likes me here. I want to go home."

"…I like you," said Percy.

Mitchell spluttered in surprise. "You do?!"

"You seem like a very nice engine," added Murdoch. "I'm sure we would like you more if we got to know you better."

"We remember when we first arrived," said Henry. "It was hard for some of us too."

"But almost everyone on this island is very friendly," grinned Hank, "and if we like you, they will too."

Mitchell smiled. "Do you really think so?"

"We know so," said Percy.

Mitchell's fire was soon burning brightly and after Percy fetched his coaches, he followed him to the Station. The platform was crowded, and the passengers were excited about visiting Ulfstead Castle.

"My friend, Thomas, has been traveling around the world," said Percy. "I think there are times when he's been nervous too."

"That sounds exciting," smiled Mitchell. "I hope I can hear more about him later."

"I hope so too."

The Guard blew his whistle and waved his flag. Mitchell gave a long, loud whistle and slowly pulled out of the station.

"Good luck!" whistled Percy and Mitchell, happily whistled back. "And I know Thomas will like you too," Percy said to himself and he watched until his new friend was out of sight.