A/N: This chapter may contain some exaggerated sentimentality, but there's a reason for that, and it's that I was always impressed with the fact that RWS had born thanks to the love of a father for his son, and thanks to this love, the magical Island of Sodor is today part of our lives. I like to imagine that we Thomas-fans are all adopted children of the Rev Awdry. When I first saw TAB I was almost in tears, touched by the relationship between its two protagonists. There was so much tenderness from Edward and so much innocence from Thomas that I couldn't avoid to think of them as father and son. TAB has no suspense like TOTB and no action like SLOTLT, but it has something that isn't seen in any other special: the emphasis on Thomas and Edward's friendship (as Aaroncottrell97 had said in his first comment). To me, TAB is, more than anything else, a love story between a father and his son. And this chapter is a tribute to this love.

Thanks again to all of you who have followed this story. I would like to give a big embrace to each one of you.

And allow me to dedicate this final chapter in a special way to Jeremy. Happy Birthday, my friend! May God bless you today and always! :D

CHAPTER III - FINAL

FATHER AND SON

"Let those tears get out… Don't feel ashamed in front of me." -Edward

Thomas was at Knapford, taking Annie and Clarabel to a shed. He had arrived to the big station a few minutes ago and Sir Topham Hatt told him that Edward was waiting for him in the yard, so he was eager to meet with his mentor. He left his coaches into their berth and went quickly to look for Edward.

Edward was on the other end of the yard. He had been calm since he talked with Sir Topham Hatt, because now he already knew the reason of Thomas' delay. So it was just a matter of waiting. And then he saw him. Thomas was coming close to him with a wide smile on his face. Edward's gaze was filled with tenderness. His son had come back home. "That's the smile I was waiting to see," he said. "Well, you can see it now," responded Thomas, smiling even more as he applied the brakes. Thomas stopped only one metre away from him. "Were you worried about me?" asked the little engine.

"Since this morning."

"Ha! Ha! Apart from the mishap with the McColl's Farm fence, I haven't had any problem."

"Glad to hear that. Tell me about your journeys. I'm eager to know how your day was."

"Oh, Edward, the first journey was the most awesome! Everyone greeted me and the passengers who were waiting at Ffarquhar applauded when I arrived at the station. It was exciting! I already knew that people love engines, but this was something I didn't expect."

Edward smiled. "No wonder that people have applauded you. Everyone has heard about what you did a few days ago and they are happy to ride on such a brave engine. I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you, Edward," Thomas blushed. "By the way, I met Mr Coffee Pot!"

"Mr Coffee Pot?"

"Yes! The last Nº 1 engine. He was in a siding at Ffarquhar Station."

Edward thought for a while. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Oh, Thomas! His name is Glynn, if I'm not mistaken."

"Cinders and ashes… I hope he won't be upset for I've called him Mr Coffee Pot."

"Thomas... seriously," Edward tried to hold back laughter, "did you call him that?"

"Yep."

They both burst into laughter.

Edward listened to all the details of Thomas' journeys with a satisfied smile, touched by the enthusiasm and innocence he was seeing in his eyes. But what most touched Edward was the fact that Thomas, being so young, had won the top prize that an engine could want to: having his/her own branch line. Edward felt happy for having been his mentor.

"In brief," said Thomas, "I had a wonderful day. But what impressed me most was not the people's greeting, but a certain engine's greeting."

"Who was it?"

"Gordon."

"Really?" Edward smiled.

"Yes. Every time he passed me he blew his whistle and smiled from buffer to buffer. I still can't believe it! His smile changes his whole face; making him looks like a friendly engine."

"He's also impressed with you, Thomas," said Edward, "it's just that his pride doesn't allow him to show it. I had told you that he has a big heart, but I must confess that I got really scared at the time I saw him taking you hooked to the Express... It was the first time I saw him doing something like that and I didn't know what to think. He's big and strong and he can cause much damage if he chooses to do. Luckily he was considerate to you in the following days, and I felt happy on seeing a slight smile on his face when you returned home after having left James at the Steamworks. I sincerely hope that you two can get along well."

"I hope so too. I could already feel his big heart when he helped me in the yard just after the incident with the Express. It seemed he wanted to apologize for what he did."

"Yes, I was glad to see that exciting scene. And indeed, it seems that you already trust him, because you woke him up with your whistle again this morning before leaving the station."

"Oh...," Thomas remembered he had promised Edward that he would not bother Gordon with his whistle again, "well... I knew this time he wouldn't take revenge on me."

"I knew it. You already trust him."

"Ha! Ha! I think you're right, Edward. And since you mentioned it," Thomas paused and added softly, "I want to ask you to forgive me for all the times I've disobeyed you."

Edward looked at him fondly. "You don't need to ask me for forgiveness."

Thomas raised his eyebrows. "Why do you say that? You've taught me all I needed to know to be a really useful engine but I wasn't a model pupil. I laughed when you told me that the troublesome trucks would push me off the rails if I wasn't careful! I even said to you 'don't be silly, you worry too much'! Then I got in trouble and-"

"Thomas..."

"-I made Sir Topham Hatt cross with you! And now you say I don't need to ask you for forgiveness?!"

"Thomas, easy," said Edward, "it's all alright. You're a young and enthusiastic engine, that's why sometime you had no patience to hear. I understand that. As for my worry about you, you're right that I've exaggerated a bit, but that was just because I didn't want anything bad to happen to you. Ever since Sir Topham Hatt has chosen me to show you what to do, I felt your security was my responsibility. When I saw that you went after James' runaway train, for a moment I just wanted to go to stop you, but then I remembered that a really useful engine should know to make good decisions during an emergency, so I decided it would be better if I stayed here to warn Sir Topham Hatt. But when I heard what you've done to try to avoid the accident; I realized that you're already able to make good decisions, in addition to being quite brave."

"Oh, Edward…,"whispered Thomas, "I don't know what to say… You're such a wonderful friend… Since I came here you were so good to me… Sorry for having left this morning without thanking you for what you've done for me. I'm really grateful for everything that you taught me, especially for the patience you've had with me."

"It was a pleasure, Thomas. Seeing your smile of happiness was all I want this morning. Having been your mentor was the best thing that ever happened to me. You can't imagine how happy I felt when Sir Topham Hatt said that you have shown yourself worthy of having your own branch line. My heart was about to explode."

"Wow...," said Thomas, touched by Edward's words, "I didn't know I was able to give you so much happiness… From the first day I realised that you're someone I can trust absolutely, and you can be sure it was a pleasure for me to be your pupil. But," Thomas smiled cheekily, "there is something you haven't taught me yet."

"What is it?"

"How you can tolerate Gordon's teasing."

"Oh…," Edward was taken by surprise. Patience was simply a virtue of his, so he did not have an exact answer to give. But he could not remain silent. Thomas was waiting for an answer. So he thought of something convincing to say, until he had an idea. "Before answering," he said then, "tell me what you felt when they painted you blue."

"I felt immensely happy for being the same colour than you."

"Did you forget that Gordon is also blue?"

"Not really, it's just that it meant nothing to me. He was rude to me from the moment he first saw me, as if my very presence was a nuisance. So I felt no fondness for him."

"Well, in my case the reverse happens," said Edward. "Precisely because he's rude to me, it means a lot that we are the same colour. Every time he teases me, I remember that I'm blue just like him. He may be bigger and stronger than me, but he isn't more important than me. We are two different engines, with different jobs, but we are the same colour, which means we are equally important. Try to remember it the next time he's rude to you, Thomas. I know Gordon's teasing can hurt like a whip, but you're as important as him. Fighting doesn't lead to anything good."

"It sounds a bit hard, but I'll try."

"If you want more encouragement, remember that he felt despaired on knowing that you would fetch his coaches no more, recognising in front of everyone that your work was important to him, even though he never thanked you."

Thomas gasped. "My goodness… You're right! He recognised in front of everyone that my work was important to him!"

"Do you see?"

"I was so excited at that moment that I didn't notice it! Now I felt happy for being blue like him too. Oh, Edward, if only I was as wise and patient as you!"

"You will be someday, Thomas, just have... patience."

They both laughed heartily.

"Well, we must go home now," affirmed Edward. "It's getting late."

"Wait… There is something else I want to know."

It was already dark. The splendid sunset had given way to a wonderful starry night and Edward felt tired. He just wanted to go home to get asleep. But if Thomas wanted to know something else, Edward would stay there with him all the necessary time. "Go ahead," he said.

"What can I do for you?" asked Thomas. "I owe you so much..."

"You don't owe me anything."

"No... Seriously. What can I do for you? Tell me… please?"

"Ha! Ha! Okay. I want you to promise me something."

"I'll do whatever you want."

Edward looked deeply into Thomas eyes. He did not know how Thomas would react, but he wanted to say it. He wanted to tell him from heart to heart. "Promise that you will allow me to keep on caring for you… like a father cares for his son… like a father who loves his son."

Thomas was speechless. He already knew there was a strong friendship between him and his mentor, but he did not imagine that Edward loved him like a son. Now he understood why Edward always looked at him with affection and he always 'worried too much'. Now he understood why Edward's heart was 'about to explode' when he earned his own branch line. He was a son to him. That was the reason why. A lump was formed in Thomas' throat and he had to swallow hard to be able to respond. "I p-promise..." His voice was barely audible, so he repeated the phrase and added one word that no engine had ever said to another engine. "I promise… dad."

Edward smiled tenderly. Thomas had accepted him as an adopted father. "Then you no longer owe me anything… my little one."

Thomas wanted to return the smile but the lump in his throat prevented him. His chin trembled as he struggled to hold back the tears. Edward moved slowly up to cover the distance between them and gently pressed his buffers. "If you want to cry," Edward whispered, "let those tears get out... Don't feel ashamed in front of me." Thomas closed his eyes and tears began to roll down his cheeks.

Thomas remembered the day he arrived on the island. From the moment he started working with Edward he realized he could trust him, and with the passing of the days their friendship was strengthened. He remembered the time he was at the Steamworks to be painted and a workman showed him one paint can. "Oh!" exclaimed Thomas on seeing the blue colour, the same blue of his kind mentor. He remembered the time he returned to Knapford after the incident with the troublesome trucks and saw Sir Topham Hatt scolding Edward. "I'm sorry, Edward… This is all my fault," said Thomas. "Never mind," was Edward's sweet reply, "at least we're working together again." Only now Thomas realized the meaning of those words: Edward did not care about the scolding from Sir Topham Hatt. The only important thing to him was that his little one was back at his side safe and sound...

Those tears that Thomas shed on his running plate and splashed on Edward's buffers were tears of gratitude. Thomas was grateful for having come to Sodor and being adopted as a son by the kindest engine in the world. All the things he wanted to say in this moment, his tears were saying for him. And Edward perfectly understood, because many times tears speak better than words. In fact, Edward was crying too. Thomas could felt it. None of them needed to say anything.

A few minutes later, Thomas slowly opened his eyes. He could see the stars shining bright on the small puddle of tears that had formed on his running plate. He looked up and smiled to his father.

Edward returned the smile. "Ready to go home?" he asked.

"Yes. Let's go. I'm sleepy."

And they set off for home, leaving behind them a steam trail illuminated by moonlight.

As they reached Tidmouth Sheds and backed into their berths side by side, Edward breathed in the fresh air of the night and gave a deep sigh.

"Good night, Thomas," said the tired engine.

"Good night, Edward," responded Thomas. "By the way," he added innocently, "would you sing me a song to sleep?"

"What?!"

"Parents usually sing to their children..."

"O-oh..."

Edward was taken by surprise again. He never had sung in his life. "Oh my Gosh," he thought, "what a bind!" He quickly tried to find one subtle way to reject Thomas' proposal, but then he remembered a song that his fireman sang sometimes. Edward thought he could sing it, since its melody was slow and not so complicated, and its lyric was perfect to dedicate to engines that wanted to learn about the virtue of patience. "Okay, Thomas," he said, "I'll sing you a song. It's called 'Patience'. But don't get angry if I sound like a sick cat."

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Go ahead, Edward! I'm all ears."

"Here I go." Edward cleared his throat and closed his eyes to concentrate on the song. Then he began to sing.

Thomas stayed open-mouthed. He had prepared himself to hear the 'sick cat', but instead, what he was hearing was an angelic male voice. Edward sang softly, without straining his voice, as any dad would sing to his baby.

Thomas attentively heard every verse of the song, impressed by its lyric. He could fully agree with the fact that thinking first can do a lot of good and how life could be so simple if one goes a little slower. He really wanted to be patient and doing everything right.

Edward continued to sing like an angel. Despite he never had sung in his life, the love for his son gave him the courage to do it. And he did it perfectly.

Suddenly, Thomas' eyelids became heavy. He was too sleepy. He would have wished to stay awake up to the end of the song and give thanks to Edward afterwards, but he felt as if Edward's soft lullaby was caressing his tanks inviting him to relax and sleep…

So, Thomas let off a little of steam and closed his eyes. "I love you, dad," he thought.

The song was over. Edward himself was satisfied with his performance. "How did I do it?" he asked opening his eyes. But there was no answer. Thomas was… sleeping deeply.

Edward smiled sweetly. He stayed looking at Thomas' cute face. He always thought that Thomas' face seemed like the one of a kid. It was nice to see him sleeping so peacefully, floating on the light steam cloud that covered his small wheels. "Sweet dreams, Thomas," thought Edward. "You'll do great things and we'll all be proud of you... And don't care about Gordon... perhaps someday we'll give him a lesson... For now, just look after your branch line... And the most important: be happy... Be happy, my little one."

Edward's thoughts were interrupted by some familiar sounds. They were Henry, Gordon and James who was coming to Tidmouth Sheds.

The three big engines saw that Thomas was asleep, so they silently backed into their berths. They all looked at the little Nº 1 with affection.

"I must admit he's a little hero," whispered Gordon.

"A little hero?" said Henry. "He's a BIG hero."

"I agree with Henry," added James with a smile. "Congratulations, Edward. Your student graduated with honours."

"Thank you, James," responded Edward. "I'm glad to see you happy again."

"I don't know how to explain… I just know I feel happy."

"That's good. By the way, I hope you'll be an excellent student too."

James was confused. "What do you mean?"

"Haven't you spoken with Sir Topham Hatt?"

"No. When I arrived from the farm I went straight to the wash-down."

"Oh... well. Sir Topham Hatt asked me to show you how to pull coaches."

"Really? Does it mean I will pull passenger trains again?"

"You're a mixed traffic engine, my friend."

"I know. But I thought Sir Topham Hatt no longer trusted me to take passengers."

"Of course he does. He just wants you to improve your techniques. He decided that Annie and Clarabel would be better for a tank engine like Thomas, while you can pull longer trains. Believe me, you'll soon be pulling passenger trains all over the island."

James' eyes were sparkling with joy. "Oh, Edward! I wish it was morning!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Then go to sleep right now."

"Sure! Good night!"

"Good night!" responded the other engines.

Edward looked at Thomas once more to be sure he was still asleep, and then he closed his eyes. But his attempt to rest was interrupted by Henry's voice.

"Edward…"

"Uh?"

"Were you the one who was singing earlier?"

"Y-yeah… I had to do it."

"Could you do it again?"

Edward opened his eyes wide. "No, Henry! I'm too sleepy. Besides, Thomas is already asleep and-" Edward's friends looked at him with pleading eyes and their best smiles, "oh dear…"

Poor Edward had to sing back to put the three giant engines to sleep. One by one, Henry, Gordon and James fell asleep as they enjoyed the sweet melody. And Edward was so tired that he himself fell asleep before ending the song… Sometimes it can be hard being a father.

Under the beautiful starry sky, silence reigned at Tidmouth Sheds.

Edward would become a dad again some years later, when another engine would win his fatherly heart. This time a female engine, cute and innocent like a lavender flower...

But that is another story.

THE END

Edward's lullaby info: "Patience" - Robert Hartshorne and Ed Welch - T&F Season 8