15 minutes later, as the break ended, the theme played one final round before fading, and the audience's cheers quieted. Ellen sat in one of the chairs on the stage, a warm smile on her face, while an empty seat beside her waited for her next guest.
With her usual charm, Ellen leaned forward, addressing the crowd. "Alright, folks, my next guest is not just an opera singer; she's a powerhouse voice who's traveled all the way from Italy to be with us today. And let me tell you, she's so famous around here that I think even the engines themselves are fans! Please give a warm welcome to Allicia Botti!"
The audience erupted into cheers, and the engines joined in, tooting their whistles in excitement as Allicia Botti appeared from the left side of the stage. The elegant Italian singer waved gracefully to the crowd, her poise and charisma undeniable.
Ellen walked over to greet her, and the two shared a brief but warm hug before making their way to the chairs and sitting down.
"Hi!" Ellen greeted, her smile as bright as ever.
"Hi, Ellen!" Allicia replied, her Italian accent adding a melodic charm to her words.
"Ms. Botti on the show, I can't believe it!" Annie whispered excitedly to Clarabel, her voice filled with awe.
Ellen settled comfortably into her chair, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Ms. Botti, it's such a pleasure to have you here. Your visits to Sodor have been quite eventful. Could you share with us your first impressions of the island and its unique railway system?"
Allicia smiled warmly, recalling her experiences. "Thank you, Ellen. Sodor is truly a charming place, rich in history and character. My initial visit was memorable; I was struck by the dedication of the engines and their crews. The seamless integration of the railway into the island's daily life is fascinating. It's not just a mode of transport but the lifeblood of the community."
Ellen nodded, intrigued. "Speaking of memorable visits, there was an incident involving a mouse during one of your travels on Sodor. How did that experience influence your perception of the island's railway?"
Allicia chuckled softly. "Ah, yes, the infamous mouse episode. It was unexpected, to say the least. Initially, it was quite startling, but it highlighted the unpredictable nature of live travel. The swift response from the railway staff was commendable, and it reinforced my appreciation for their professionalism. In hindsight, it added a touch of adventure to my visit."
Ellen leaned in, her interest piqued. "Your interactions with the engines themselves must have been quite unique. Do any particular engines stand out in your memory?"
Allicia's eyes twinkled with fondness. "Indeed, each engine has its own personality. Thomas, with his enthusiasm, is always eager to assist. Percy is endearing with his determination. However, I recall Toby, the tram engine, with special affection. His wisdom and gentle demeanor made our journeys together particularly pleasant."
Ellen smiled. "It's wonderful to hear about these relationships. Beyond the railway, how have the people of Sodor influenced your experiences during your stays?"
Allicia's expression softened. "The people of Sodor are incredibly warm and hospitable. Their genuine passion for their heritage and the railway is inspiring. Engaging with the local communities, sharing stories, and learning about their traditions have enriched my visits immensely. It's a place where one feels an immediate sense of belonging."
Ellen leaned in, her curiosity still piqued. "You mentioned the beauty of Sodor, Ms. Botti. In your travels across the island, which part of Sodor do you think is the most underrated? A hidden gem that even the locals might take for granted?"
Allicia smiled thoughtfully. "Oh, that's a tough one. There are so many beautiful spots. But if I had to choose, I'd say the area around the Skarloey Railway. It's often overlooked because it's a smaller railway, but it has such a charm. The narrow gauge tracks, the rolling hills, the scenic views... It's a quieter, more peaceful corner of the island, and it has a history that's rich with tradition."
Ellen nodded. "That sounds like a beautiful place. It's funny, I don't think I've heard much about the Skarloey Railway before. Did you have any interesting interactions there with the engines or the crew?"
Allicia's eyes brightened. "Yes, actually! I had the chance to meet Rheneas and Skarloey during one of my visits. They're both so full of character, and their stories are deeply rooted in the history of Sodor. They're small engines, but the respect they command from the others is evident. I remember Skarloey telling me tales of his adventures, and Rheneas was always the more practical one, making sure things were running smoothly. It felt like I was stepping back into history."
Ellen laughed. "I can imagine! It must have been fascinating. Now, we all know the engines on Sodor can be a bit... eccentric sometimes, don't you think? Any quirky or funny moments you've experienced with the engines?"
Allicia chuckled. "Oh, absolutely. The most memorable one was with James, the red engine. He was so proud of his shiny coat, and one day, he got covered in coal dust after an unfortunate mishap. He was so flustered, trying to get rid of the dust, but no matter what he did, he couldn't get clean. I've never seen him so embarrassed!"
Ellen grinned. "Poor James! I bet he didn't let anyone hear the end of it though."
"Exactly!" Allicia replied. "He tried to act like it didn't bother him, but every time we passed another engine, he'd puff a little harder, as if to say, 'Look at me! I'm still the brightest engine here!'"
The audience and the engines laughed, and Ellen joined in, shaking her head as James rolled his eyes. "That's classic James! It's the little moments like that that make Sodor so special. But let's get a bit more serious now. Sodor is a place that values hard work and loyalty. Have you found that the engines' dedication to their jobs resonates with you in any way?"
Allicia's expression softened. "Absolutely. There's something truly admirable about their commitment to their work, especially in a place like Sodor, where every engine has its own role and purpose. Whether it's Thomas, who is always eager to help, or Gordon, who takes pride in pulling the express, each one contributes in their own way. I think it speaks to a universal truth about dedication. You don't have to be the biggest or the fastest, but when you do your best, it shows."
Ellen smiled, clearly moved by her words. "That's a beautiful perspective, Ms. Botti. It's clear you've learned a lot from your time on the island. What would you say is your biggest takeaway from Sodor? Something that's left a lasting impression on you."
Allicia paused for a moment, reflecting. "The importance of community. The engines, the people, everyone working together to make sure the island runs smoothly—it's not just about individual achievements, but about supporting each other. It's a reminder that we're all part of something bigger, and when we work together, we can accomplish great things."
The audience applauded and the engines tooted as Ellen smiled. "Words to live by. Now, you've been to so many places on Sodor, Ms. Botti, but I'm wondering—was there a particular moment that really made you feel like you were truly a part of the island? Like when you knew you were accepted by the engines and the people?"
Allicia's face lit up as she remembered. "Yes, actually. It was a special day when I visited the station at Knapford. I had been helping out with a few little tasks around the station, just like the engines did. I wasn't expecting much, but as I was about to leave, Sir Topham Hatt himself came up to me and said, 'Thank you for your help, Ms. Botti. You've made Sodor proud.'"
Ellen smiled warmly. "Wow, that's such a nice moment. I bet that really meant a lot."
"It did," Allicia agreed. "And that was when I truly felt like I belonged, like I was part of something bigger than just a visit. It wasn't just about the music, but about the island's spirit of cooperation and kindness. I was so grateful."
Ellen nodded, clearly moved. "That's incredible. The way the engines and the people on Sodor make everyone feel like they're part of the family is definitely one of the island's greatest qualities."
"Exactly," Allicia said with a nod. "It's a reminder that no matter where we come from, we can all contribute to something good. And that's what makes Sodor so special."
The audience quietly listened, clearly appreciating the sincerity of the conversation. Ellen, still fascinated, continued, "With all the engines you've met, is there anyone you feel you share a special connection with? Someone who left a particularly big impact on you?"
Allicia thought for a moment, then smiled. "It would have to be Emily. She's such a hardworking engine, always looking out for everyone else. She's wise beyond her years, and there's a warmth to her that you can't help but be drawn to. I've had some really insightful conversations with her, and she's always made me feel at home on the island."
Ellen's eyes widened in admiration. "That sounds like a very powerful bond. Emily's always had that way of making people feel welcome, hasn't she?"
Allicia nodded. "Absolutely. And she's not afraid to get her hands dirty, too! She's a true role model for everyone on Sodor."
"Speaking of making people feel welcome," Ellen said with a playful grin, "Emily was kind enough to give me a tour of the island, which I will show later!"
The audience erupted into laughter and applause, while Emily herself chuckled from the side. The other engines smiled at the mention of their friend.
Allicia joined in with a laugh, "She really does know how to make you feel like you're at home, doesn't she?"
Ellen nodded, clearly enjoying the conversation. "Oh, absolutely. It was an unforgettable experience! But now, we've been talking a lot about Sodor, its engines, and all the lovely people here. But I'm curious, Ms. Botti, is there anything on the island that has surprised you—something you never expected about life here?"
Allicia thought for a moment before answering. "I think what surprised me the most was the level of teamwork. The engines, Sir Topham Hatt, and the people—they all work together so smoothly. It's like they all know exactly how to contribute to make everything run as it should. But the best part is, there's never any competition or animosity. They really care about each other."
Ellen nodded in agreement. "That's something really unique. Not just a community, but a true family."
"Exactly!" Allicia said with a smile. "It's a beautiful thing to witness."
The audience seemed to agree, their applause resonating in the air as they appreciated the message. Ellen took a moment to acknowledge the crowd before continuing.
"So, with all your time here on Sodor, have you ever thought about doing something special for the engines or the people as a thank-you? Maybe something that celebrates the island's spirit?"
Allicia's eyes lit up at the idea. "I've actually been thinking about that! I'd love to write a song specifically for Sodor, something that celebrates everything the island stands for—the hard work, the friendships, and the beauty of it all. I think it would be my way of giving back and expressing my gratitude."
Ellen grinned. "I'm sure the engines would love that! Maybe we could even get them involved—imagine a music video with the engines singing along!"
Allicia laughed, clearly enjoying the idea. "Now that would be something to see!"
The audience shared in the fun, and Ellen turned back to Allicia, eager to keep the conversation going.
"Now, before we wrap up here, how about we let everyone hear that beautiful voice of yours?" Ellen suggested with a grin.
The audience erupted into applause, and the engines let out cheerful whistles of agreement, eager to hear Allicia sing.
Allicia smiled graciously, standing up from her chair. As she stepped forward, the audience fell into a quiet anticipation. The engines leaned in, clearly excited to hear their special guest perform.
With a graceful nod to the orchestra behind her, Allicia began to sing, her powerful voice filling the room with a beautiful, haunting melody. The sound of her opera training was clear, and every note seemed to resonate with the spirit of Sodor itself.
The audience was captivated, listening intently to her performance, while the engines stood proudly, knowing that they had welcomed someone truly special to their island.
After about a minute, Allicia's final note echoed through the air, and the room was filled with silence for a brief moment as everyone processed the beauty of her performance. Then, the audience erupted into cheers, their applause filling the air.
Annie and Clarabel cheered loudly, and the engines, including Thomas, Percy, and James, tooted their whistles in delight, expressing their admiration for the opera singer's talent.
Ellen stood up from her chair, clapping enthusiastically. "That was absolutely stunning, Allicia!" she said, her voice full of admiration. "You truly have an amazing voice."
Allicia smiled, clearly moved by the warm reception. "Thank you, Ellen. It's been such an honor to share this with everyone here on Sodor."
The cheers and whistles continued for a few moments longer, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and appreciation for the beautiful performance.
Ellen turned to the audience with a wide grin. "We'll be back with a performance by Bruno Mars!"
The theme song began to play as Allicia and Ellen shared another warm hug, the audience cheering wildly. The engines, still catching their breath from the performance, looked around at each other in confusion.
"Bruno Mars?" Gordon asked, clearly unfamiliar with the name. "Who is that?"
"I've never heard of a name like that," Henry added, sounding equally puzzled. "Is it another one of those 'new' singers?"
Thomas, always the curious one, puffed up his cheeks in thought. "I think it's someone from a different world, maybe? A human, perhaps? I don't know."
"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough," Percy replied, trying to keep up with the conversation.
James, however, looked intrigued. "If they're performing on a show like Ellen's, they must be important!"
The engines nodded in agreement, all of them eagerly awaiting the performance that was about to come. Despite not knowing who Bruno Mars was, they were all certain it would be something memorable.