FanFic:How Tidmouth Was Built, Part One: The Approaching Anniversary

How Timouth Was Built: Part One

Next Part: Part Two

Plot

The 55th anniversary of Sodor is approaching, and all of the engines are happy. All, that is, except Edward. When Thomas asks him why, Edward begins his story . . .

Script

(Opening credits roll)

Narrator: It was late summer on the Island of Sodor. All of the engines were very excited. Next week would be the 55th anniversary of the construction of Tidmouth Station. There was to be an enormous party, and all of the engines would be there.

(Fade to all of the engines positioned around Tidmouth, which is decorated with banner and flags)

(Fade to James and Murdoch pulling heavy trains of supplies on the main line)

Narrator: Of course, there was a lot to be done, and every engine was busy helping prepare.

(Cut to Knapford yards)

Narrator: Thomas and Percy were shunting trucks of party supplies. They were having a grand time, and both were enjoying bumping the silly trucks.

Trucks: We won't go! We won't go!

Percy: Not on my watch! (Bumps them forward, causing the trucks to screech and wail)

Narrator: They had nearly finished when Edward puffed in, pulling some empty coaches.

Thomas: Good morning, Edward!

Narrator: But Edward didn't answer. He just shunted his coaches into a siding, and puffed away.

Thomas: What's the matter with Edward?

Percy: (Indifferent, yet puzzled) I'm not sure, maybe his tubes are clogged, and he's feeling extra tired.

(Cut to a montage of Thomas steaming past Edward, and Edward ignores Thomas every time)

Narraotr: But every time Thomas tried to greet, whistle to, or talk to Edward, the old engine just ignored him, always wearing that same, sad look.

(Edward has just past Thomas, who is at Elsbridge)

Thomas: (thinking) It can't be his tubes, it's been going on too long for it to be that.

(Cut to Knapford Junction)

Narrator: Later, Thomas was taking Annie and Clarabel to Knapford. When he arrived, he noticed Emily on the other line, looking puzzled.

Thomas: Hello, Emily.

(Emily appears startled, as though she were mired in thought)

Emily: Oh, hello, Thomas. I've noticed something about Edward. He doesn't greet anyone, or say anything.

Thomas: I've noticed the same thing! He seems very . . . sad, for some reason. He isn't usually like that. It's only been in the last few weeks. But what could it be?

Emily: Maybe it has something to do with the anniversary!

Thomas: We can ask him about it.

(Cut to Tidmouth sheds)

Narrator: Thomas got his chance the next day in the early afternoon. Both he and Edward had a break, and Thomas found him resting in his berth at the sheds.

Thomas: Edward, I don't mean to be rude, but, um, is there something bothering you that has to do with the station?

(Edward sighs)

Edward: Well, Thomas, I didn't want anyone to worry about me, because I don't want to bring my misery to them, too. But yes, there is. It's a hurt I've felt for overy fifty years, and even today it hasn't fully healed.

Thomas: (interested) What happened?

Edward: It's a pretty long story. Do you have time?

Thomas: I've got the rest of the afternoon before my evening train.

Edward: All right then. It all began fifty-five years ago . . .

Characters

(In order of appearance)

• Thomas
• Percy
• Emily
• Edward