An Island's end | A TTTE AU.

Disarray. | July 9th 1983.

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"Wha- What do you mean he's not coming back?"

"Exactly that dear, I'm sorry."

"But, But I don't understand! This, this can't be real!"

"And yet, it is."

13:34

Woke up in the middle of the night with a headache, must be due to the lack of water I've had over the last few days, I decided to go grab a jug and ventured out of the workman's hut. We had used up most of the water during our meal in the evening so that left me with only really one option. I'd have to go find some. I figured it best to not wake anyone as we'd had a harsh last day. I was just about to leave when I heard one of the engines stir. I went over to see who I'd awoken and to apologize for doing so Bill was awake and looked as though he had been all night, the poor engine looked exhausted yet restless. I asked him what he was doing awake and he explained how he felt so guilty that he let Edward and Boco die. How he could've gone back to help Edward or helped Boco fend of Arthur. He also felt guilty for leaving Derek and Fergus. He has to find them and make sure that they're okay and if they aren't... He wouldn't be able to live with himself. I tried to talk back and say how there was nothing that could have been done and if he had done something there was a chance he might not have made it. And what would Ben do without him. Poor Donald has no idea where his brother is, so at least Bill as that. This seemed to cheer him up a bit. I moved on and explained how I was going to find some water in the town and would be back soon. I gave him a pat on the buffer and left him to get some shut eye. I was all alone again. I didn't mind though, after spending the last couple days being constantly with people it was nice to get some privacy. I managed to luckily come across a green groceries that had a couple bottles of water in it. I immediately swirled down the water and headed back of towards camp, however I took a different route as I wanted to pay someone, or something, a visit.

I found myself stood outside of the Wellsworth churchyard. It was a relatively vast premises with gravestones huddled together as though they were humans seeking warmth. I couldn't blame them, it was cold. I paced around for a bit, comprehending the plaques of the dearly departed until I finally reached the one I was looking for...

"Richard Davis"

My father. I don't remember much of him if I'm honest. The whole incident happened a long time ago. However from what my mother told me, it was horrendous. My father had been married to my mother for 7 years by now. In that time they had had me, and my younger brother Julian. I was 5 at the time and all I can really recall was that one day he was there and going of to work as usual, and he never can back, we were all lost without him. Especially my mother who had to go through immense counseling to recover from the disappearance. Our troubles were far from over though. Around 2 years after my father had disappeared I was called out of school as the police had made a discovery. They had found my father! But, he was too far gone. He was found in a ditch near Ballahoo, God knows how he got there. My mother was really beaten up over it all. She had been clinging onto hope for so long, desperately hoping that one day he'd maybe, just maybe come home. But he never did.

I turned and left the churchyard making my way back to Wellsworth yards. I did consider going to check my home but I was knackered. Making this detour was enough already and I didn't need any more. I wandered back into the yard at around 4:12 in the morning and just as I had done before, entered the workman hut, shut the door, and hit the hay.

When I awoke I found myself alone. I must have overslept, granted I didn't need to be up urgently probably, no schedules to keep to or anything. I got up and headed out o the yard which was surprisingly busy. People were ransacking trucks for supplies whilst others cooked and others were making plans for the day ahead. We were just steaming up the engines when we heard an all too familiar Great Western Whistle sound from of in the distance and the thundering around the bend was Oliver! Behind him traipsed a single coal truck, a works unit coach and Toad. He flew past without saying a word or even so much as looking for that matter. Toad however did notice us and called out to Oliver however it went upon deaf ears as the two disappeared heading towards the Vicarstown. I hope they're alright.