Thread:Thunderbird1InternationalRescue/@comment-25600892-20170120210054/@comment-25372003-20170123001331

Here it is:

One day, Rusty was writing something down on a piece of paper when Duncan came to see what he (Rusty) was doing.

"Hey, Rusty," said Duncan, "What're you doing?"

"I'm writing a letter to my mom," said Rusty, "it's been a few years since I've seen her."

Rusty continued writing.

"There," said Rusty, "all finished!"

"Would it be OK if I took a look at it," asked Duncan.

"Sure," said Rusty as he handed the letter to Duncan.

"Dear Mom," Duncan read, "I miss you SOO much! I really hope you're having a good time in Maine. Please tell Dad that I give both you and him a hug."

Duncan then looked awkwardly at Rusty.

"Aren't you a little old to be hugging your parents," asked Duncan.

"Keep reading," said an annoyed Rusty.

"Oh," Duncan read, "and one more thing: I have a gift for you. You can take it out of the slot at the bottom of this letter. I love you so much! Happy Mother's Day! Love, Rusty."

Duncan looked at the bottom of the letter and saw a fresh 20-dollar bill.

"You're giving her half of the 40 dollars you earned from helping Ernie paint his fence," asked Duncan.

"Yup," said Rusty, "it's a Mother's Day present."

"I see," said Duncan, "and I didn't know she lived in Maine."

"She moved there with my dad after I came to Winter City," explained Rusty, "and today, since it's Mother's Day, I really wish I could see her."

"Why can't you go and see her," asked Duncan.

"Because," said Rusty, "Maine is so far away from Oregon. It would cost us lots of money to go there."

"That makes sense," said Duncan.

"Hello, son," said a voice.

"Huh," said Rusty.

Rusty turned and there, right before his eyes, was an orange EMD FP7 deisel locomotive with a nameplate that said "Rhonda" on both sides. Rusty gasped.

"Mom," he said, "you're here!"

"Yes," said Rhonda, "I came here to see my little Rusty-Wusty!"

Rhonda then bear-hugged Rusty, which embarassed him.

"Mom," said Rusty, "please don't do that, it's a little embarassing."

Rhonda let go of Rusty, who then saw Duncan laughing.

"Oh man," said Duncan, "that is just too funny!"

"Sorry, son," said Rhonda.

"It's OK," said Rusty, "how's Dad doing?"

"He's doing great," said Rhonda, "He misses you so much."

"Really," Rusty asked as a tear rolled down his cheek, "I miss him too!"

Rusty then turned to Duncan.

"Duncan," said Rusty, "hand me a tissue."

Duncan nodded and handed Rusty a tissue, into which the latter blew his nose.

"Oh," said Rusty, "I have something for you, Mom."

Rusty handed Rhonda the letter.

"Wow," said Rhonda, "Thank you, Rusty!"

"No problem," said Rusty.

Rhonda then saw the $20 at the bottom.

"So here's the gift," Rhonda said as she carefully removed the bill, "You're giving me this?"

"Yup," said Rusty, "Happy Mother's Day!"