Old Friend Departing

2010

     ....Henry's face fell upon hearing this. "You're...retiring?" he asked his driver, Ted. The 80-year old man sighed heavily as he leaned on his shovel. "Unfortunately, it's not an easy decision I've had to make. My doctor made it quite clear that I'm not fit for driving anymore," he sighed. "I've spent 64 years on the footplate...Your footplate...longer than most drivers here..."
     "Yes, I was the very reason you got into the business," replied Henry. "You were there to see me in my new shape when I arrived back from Crewe way back in 1935. You stood there with your two brothers Scott and Allen on the lineside near Maron to wave me back home. As I recall, you were late for school just because you wanted to see me home." Ted laughed heartily. "I remember that," he reminisced. "I got a good telling off from Mrs. Albert that day." 
     The two laughed heartily together. "Then when you were 16, you were appointed as my apprentice fireman in '46," continued Henry. "Worked your way up until you finally became my driver in '61. You were the one that told me that day, "moving two dead diesels and their trains...that's no joke for a 'failed' engine," and gave me the strength I needed to show that Spamcan up."
     Ted smiled. "I remember that as if it happened yesterday," he said. Henry smiled, for a moment. "...It's not gonna feel the same from here on out without you. You were the gentlest hand I've felt on the controls. You knew how to drive a great engine like me... I don't think there'll be anyone like the "Smooth Rider" Ted." 
     "Perhaps, perhaps not..." Ted shrugged. "Who can say what will happen? I'm sure the next driver will have his own fair share of adventures when he's in your cab..." 
     "Maybe...but you're certainly the best driver I've ever had all my working life, and always will be," said Henry. "I'll never forget all the times we had together. ...Just don't forget about me, okay?"
     Ted smiled at his old friend once more. "How could I ever forget "Henry the Green Engine"?"

Wanted to try a feels story with this photograph, spent all day trying to think of one. Did my best, not much came to me tho. What do ya guys think?

DISCLAIMER:

I do not own Thomas the Tank Engine or the Railway Series. They are owned by the Awdry Family, HiT Entertainment and Mattel.