Thomas the Tank Engine chugged along the tracks, his headlight shining brightly in the twilight. It was almost bedtime on the Island of Sodor, and a gentle breeze whispered through the fields.
Usually, Thomas loved his busy days, pulling carriages full of passengers and delivering important goods. But tonight, something felt different. He felt unusually tired, even more tired than usual after a long day of work.
As he approached the station, he saw Percy, the small green engine, looking rather worried. 'Percy,' Thomas puffed, 'what's wrong?'
Percy explained that Annie and Clarabel, the two passenger carriages, were scared of the dark. They usually slept soundly tucked in their cozy beds near the engine shed, but tonight, the shadows seemed extra long and spooky.
Thomas, despite his own tiredness, felt a surge of sympathy. He knew how scary the dark could feel sometimes. He remembered one night when a sudden storm had made him feel quite lonely and frightened.
‘Don’t worry, Percy,’ said Thomas. ‘I’ll help.’ He coupled himself to Annie and Clarabel, and together they slowly chugged towards the engine shed, Thomas's headlight casting a warm, comforting glow.
Along the way, they passed several other engines and rolling stock, all preparing for bed. The gentle rocking motion of the train, combined with the soft sounds of the night, started to make Annie and Clarabel feel a little drowsy.
Thomas told them stories of his adventures, tales of exciting journeys and the wonderful friends he had made across the Island of Sodor. He described the sparkling stars in the night sky, making them seem less scary and more magical.
Soon, Annie and Clarabel were fast asleep, their little wheels gently humming. Thomas felt a great sense of accomplishment. Helping his friends had distracted him from his own tiredness, and a calmness washed over him.
He carefully placed them in their beds near the engine shed, ensuring they were snug and secure. Then, he went to his own little berth, feeling peaceful and content.
As Thomas drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of rolling green hills and sparkling rivers under a sky full of twinkling stars. He realised that even though he loved his busy days, there was something truly special about the quiet peace of nighttime and the satisfaction of helping others.
The next morning, Thomas woke up feeling refreshed and happy. He knew that a good night's sleep was just as important as a busy day, and helping his friends feel safe had made his own rest even more peaceful. From then on, he always made sure to check on his friends before bed, ensuring everyone got a good night's sleep.