Sodor's Unusual Tales

The Surprises Of Nature

Inspired by Gale Warning

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Aside from his bootlace incident, James is also sensitive about being reminded of windy days on the island. One time, he spun around on a turntable like a top. Another time, he was nearly crushed by a falling tree.

He hated it whenever he got reminded. Every time a windy day occurred, the Knapford engines would always tease him.

"Better tread carefully, James, or you'll be playing Roundabouts again."

"If you don't like using the turntable, then you might as well pull your trains like a tank engine."

"The wind might put a new spin on your next train."

Eventually, James got so fed up with the Knapford engines' jokes, that he decided to make the ironic decision of sleeping at Tidmouth, where he first had troubles with the wind. It was no different, as the Tidmouth engines teased him as well.

That is, except for Edward.

One night, Edward decided to talk to James about his problems with the wind.

"The Knapford engines were teasing you again, weren't they?" He asked.

"It's almost as bad as being reminded of my bootlace incident," James muttered. "Only that incident in particular is talked about more."

"Well, we hardly ever talk about windy days," Edward added.

"I'll admit, Edward," said James. "I'm scared of the wind. We've all seen what the wind can do."

"I know that," said Edward. "But that's just how nature works. You never know what nature might do. And sometimes, we can use bad weather to our advantage."

As Edward drifted off to sleep, James thought about this for the whole night.

The next morning, Edward and James woke up to see that the wind had gotten more violent, and the other Tidmouth engines had gone off to work.

James shivered at how violent the wind had gotten.

"It'll be okay, James," said Edward. "Remember. You never know what nature might do."

"Okay," James whispered. And he and Edward set off to work.

Meanwhile, the Knapford engines were extra busy today due to James working elsewhere. Needless to say, they didn't like it at all.

"Where is that little rascal?" Vincent asked.

"He should be here instead of galavanting off," Gordon added.

"He probably decided to work elsewhere," said Henry.

"Regardless, he shouldn't have left us to do his work," said Emily.

Just then, Mister Starr came by.

"I was going to let James take a train of machinery parts to Maron," he said to the Knapford engines. "But considering that he's off working somewhere else, one of you will have to take it."

Naturally, Gordon and Vincent refused, while Henry and Emily, despite being mixed-traffic engines, weren't exactly in the best mood right now.

"I can take it," came a voice.

It was Molly.

"You're certain that you can take these to Maron?" Henry asked.