A Better View for Mavis

Mavis was feeling grumpy. This was making Lady cross. Why are you complaining all the time? ''Because I'm a big blue engine and I know everything. I shall complain whenever I want. You're just a small golden engine with ideas above your station. I can't see any,'' said Rosie. Where are they? Any what? Ideas above the station-the sky's empty. Like your smoke box, Rosie! laughed Lady. But Mavis was still grumpy. One day, I'll show you just what a big engine can really do. So what a big engine can really do. Not speak to silly little green engines, for a start, replied Mavis. Then he puffed away. Late that day, Lady Hatt came to see him. ''Mavis, you'll be making one stop today with an empty express to test our new station. You can make up time afterwards. Why can't Molly do it? He likes idling in stations. You will do as you are told.'' So Mavis did. But he was still unhappy, and he grew sick, too. I just can't get up to speed! he moaned. ''It's time for your visit to the Works. Your pipes are clogged,'' said the Fireman. At last they approached the new station. Mavis was impressed, but his mood soon changed. In front of him was a blank wall and huge buffers. ''What a boring view. Important engines like me should have a panoramic view-where I can see people and people can see me.'' And he wheeshed angrily. Mavis was happy when it was time to leave. Now you can really enjoy your run, as long as your pipes will let you! said his Driver. ''Come on! Come on! I can go faster than this!'' huffed Mavis. Sic-me never. But Mavis began to feel more and more feeble. And soon he came to a complete stop. What happened? His Driver and Fireman inspected him. Something's broken inside you, Mavis, said his Fireman. Now you really will have to go to the Works. Mavis was still fuming when Lady arrived to collect his coaches. ''Well, well, well-so much for knowing about everything. You got too puffed up in your boilder, so it serves you right!'' When Mavis returned from the Works a few days later, he was still boasting. ''I am the finest engine on the Island of Sodor. Probably the finest in the world. Come on, Mavis. We're going to the official opening of the new station.'' Then there was trouble. as Mavis approached the new station, neither the Driver nor Fireman could apply his breakes. Something had jammed. The Driver reduced steam, but Mavis was still going too fast. Help me, pleeeeeease! 'Well Mavis, said Lady Hatt, I knew you wanted a panoramic view, but this is not the way to achieve it! Yes, sir. Sorry lady. When Mavis was repaired again, he took Lady Hatt to the new station for its second official opening. This time he arrived safely, and everyone clapped and cheered as he pulled in. Lady Hatt spoke to him: ''Your panoramic view is here to stay! I trust you will always see through it from the safety of your own rails!'' Mavis heartily agreed.