The Sudrians: Great Western Collection

Cause of Effect

A/N: Yall being spoiled with my stuff recently. Haven't done this in a while and like to say that this one is quite to the point in writing, mainly due to the fact I want it to since I've been doing more descriptive and detailed storytelling in EATAO. This story has Oliver as the protagonist here, but I'm quite glad cause I wanted to write Oliver and wish I could, only to realise that the next story I needed to write here was about Oliver, lovely coincidence. Anyway, enjoy!

The sheds felt a little awkward that night, Donald and Douglas decided to stay the night at Alresburgh West to be with Oliver to help him in case Duck woke up. Douglas had told the other two about Duck and told the two to keep it secret until told otherwise, but that left the three to discuss with each other quietly.

"If what Stephen said was true," Oliver said, "what would that mean for Duck?"

"Och, who knows," said Douglas.

"Either forced retirement for him," said Donald, "or perhaps they give the glasses as that wee Whiff has."

"But what if glass can't help him," noted Oliver worriedly, "what if he doesn't want to go into retirement too? What if... if he thinks this might be the end."

"Dinnae think like that lad," interjected Donald sternly, "our Duck is very strong-willed, I'm sure he can pull through."

"I just wonder how can an engine like him become blind in the first place," Douglas pondered, "usually when an engine goes blind, they usually have it straight away and Duck just suddenly got out of nowhere."

"Firstly, it did slowly come to me over time, and secondly, I'm not entirely going blind," came the familiar voice.

All engines jumped and looked to see Duck wake but still looking ill. "From what the inspector has told me," he said slowly, "I am most likely short-sighted, so I can't see objects that are a distance from me. For example, I can see Oliver who is right next to me, but Donald who is furthest from me is looking blurry and the Arlesdale engines I can barely see at all."

The Great Western engine then seethed in slight pain. "Now I beg your pardon but can you keep it down please?"

All three engines apologised quickly and allowed poor Duck to get some rest. But Oliver still thought about Duck's situation.

***

The next day, Duck was sent someplace else so as not to be disturbed whilst sleeping off the migraine. Donald had to go off to the Norramby branch to help Arthur, whilst Molly came to look after Alice and Mirabel. Oliver took over Duck's passenger services since he knew them better and enjoyed the early morning runs. But was still sadden by Duck's situation, he wanted to help him but didn't know-how.

Haultraugh was where he missed Duck the most, the station was where the trains usually meet and not seeing him there on the other platform made Oliver feel a little sorrowful. He was hoping this was only temporary though.

"What's wrong dear?" called Isabel, as Oliver pushed his two coaches out of the station, "you seem quite put off today?"

"Me? I'm not put off," replied Oliver, but his tone said otherwise.

"C'mon Oliver," Dulcie called, who was at the other end, "are you missing Duck?"

Oliver didn't reply, which was all his auto-coaches really needed. "You don't have to worry too much," comforted Isabel, "I'm sure he'll be fine!"

"I'm not so sure," sighed the western engine, "he was very depressed last night, I just wish I could help him!"

"You are helping him by running his trains whilst he's gone," replied Isabel.