When you let go of my paw yesterday, it was much warmer than now. The sun shone bright, and the heat it brought, made the metal gears in me expand, making it hard for me to move. We were hurried by your parents, almost dragging you along with them to make it on the train. And I in turn, was dragged along with you.

It was only a matter of time we lost our grip. Within a fraction of a second, you were already mixed up with the crowd in the station. Luckily I was just big enough not to get trampeled on. So when everything settled, and all the people disappeared, I started to look for you. Unfortunately, it was all in vain. 

Now, another day has passed, and the only thing filling this train station is the smoke and steam produced by nearing factories. And you? Still not back. So I guess I will have to go home all by myself. 

Not a big deal. I am a big bear now. Not as big as your papa, but enough to make this trip myself.

Slowly, I scan the area. No trains are here now. They are, however, sleeping in a building not far from here. They probably need to rest during the night, just like humans do. I wonder if they work the same way as the small one we play with at home. If that is true, then they must be easy to ride!

As fast as I can, -which is not that fast with my little legs- I make my way across the station. At the edge, a gust of wind hits my face. Yes, it is definitely much colder today. At least my gears turn like they are supposed to do. 

Carefully I jump off the platform, onto the train tracks. Every few steps, I make sure all trains are asleep. I Do not want to be turned into a flat bear by a naughty train up this hour. But also for bad people, who roam in the dark. Stealing, making messes. I shiver at the thought alone. 

I finally arrive at the house where the trains rest. The front door is wide open. Not a very good thing to do at night, but comes in handy for me now. Not only can I waltz right in, but perhaps also ride out with a train.

All the trains are sound asleep. Some, mostly older trains, are snoring. The one closest to me breaths loudly. Their puff is so strong, it can almost blow me away. I do not think they are the right choice for my mission. 

The next one over, is a smaller train. It is only one cabin tall, so it must be a young train still. Maybe they can help me.

Carefully, as to not wake the others, I make my way over to the small train, and carefully nudge the train to wake up.

"Excuse me?" I announce myself. The train breathes deeply, and their lights blink a few times, then finally wakes up.

"Who is there?". While speaking, it lets out a puff of steam.

"My name is Ted," I introduce myself, suddenly a little shy, "But others call me Teddy".

Their lights finally are directed at me.

"You are not supposed to be here!". The train is stern, but it seems mostly suprised. However, the sudden shout almost wakes the others. Luckily, after a second of silence, the others continue breathing softly.

"I know". I start to gather my thoughts, how I am gonna ask for their help.

"You see, I am lost. I was wondering if you could help me get home". 

They direct their lights to the ceiling for a short while, as if to think, before looking back at me.

"And where might this home of yours be?"

"My home lies in Hearthsmith" I answer, much more confident then before.

"Hearthsmith?!" the train answers shocked, "That is all the way up north!". 

They look to the ground for a moment.

"I would love to help you. But I can't" they then answer, lights focusing on me again.

"I am not allowed to ride alone. I need a conductor to guide me".

I think for a second, sitting down with a soft 'poof'.

"Could I be your conductor?" I then ask, not seeing any place for humans to rest near here.

"Do you know how to?" the train then ask cautiously, unsure of my suggestion.

"Well, my human and I have a small train home that we play with almost everyday! It can't be that hard".

The train laughs.

"In that case, hop aboard! I'll ride you to Hearthsmith!"

With a big grin I follow their order, and climb into the engine room. From here, I have access to the cabin, that seems to be filled with coal.

"There should be a shovel to help you load coal into my stomach. And an apron so you won't get dirty".

"Thank you!" I answer politely. The shovel is a bit too big for my paws, but if I don't load too much coal, I am still able to carry it. The apron does not fit, however.

Carefully, I start to load coal into the train's stomach. The fire inside burns brighter and brighter. So bright even, the whole engine room starts to fill with smoke and steam. Both the train and me start to cough.

"The lever! Pull the lever to open the chimney!" it commands in between coughs. 

I quickly search for the lever. I need to jump to reach it, but when I finally pull it, all the smoke quickly disappears. Luckily we already left the the building, otherwise the loud whistle sound would have woken up all the other trains.

"Much better!" the train says, gaining more and more speed. With their help, I make sure to pull the brakes in narrow tunnels and sharp turns.

Many hours later, when we near Hearthsmith, the sun is starting to rise. It looks wonderful with the contrast of the dark clouds and rain dropping from the sky. 

Oh, if only I could show you this right now. You would have loved it too. But I am almost home. Maybe we can watch the sunrise tomorrow.

"Next stop, Hearthsmith Station!" the train announces to me with a slight chuckle. Soon after, the train slows down, and a loud, shrieking noise is heard.

"Will you be able to go back on your own?" I ask, suddenly very aware I will have to leave my new friend alone at the station. Luckily, the train nods.

"Yes, another conductor should pick me up here". 

"Well, thank you for helping me, then!" I say as I get off the train, onto the platform. I wave to the train, and their lights in return. They let out one last whistle, and with that I see my cue to leave.

On all fours I sprint home. The road is muddy due to the rain, and dirt gets stuck on my fur. I am also pretty sure I lost the blue ribbon around my neck at some point. Normally I walk on my two hind legs, but my excitement makes me run on all four; I am much faster this way. And thus also faster reunited with you.

On the fields I pass, it is quiet except for the tractors driving themselves. Some have worked all through the night to help their farmers, others are only just starting their shift. But all are chipper and happy, and wish me a good morning as I pass. I simply wave back to them.

Within minutes, I finally see our house. I try to run even faster these last meters. On the porch, I finally slow down, making sure I am careful for mother's flowers. She already has yelled at us recently for being to rough around her flowers. 

I climb up the stairs, and knock as best I can on the door. Most of my stuffing muffles the bonk, even though I have a metal skeleton. And it takes a little while before the door opens, but when it does, your father is there to great me.

"Teddy?" he exclaims, rather surprised. He scans me up and down, questioning my coal and dirt filled fur.

I simply nod.

You must have heard your father, because it does not take long before you are at the door too. You hug me tightly, no care for my dirty appearance.

"Teddy? Where do you come from?".

Well, it is a long story.

~~~~~~~~~

Word count: 1389 (Desktop)

It took longer to write this one than expected. I really enjoyed the prompt and had many ideas. Unfortunately, I struggled with a writing-block, so not every idea made the cut. (At first I wanted to write something inspired by the comic 'Hearts for Sale' by Miyuli on Tapas. Although that idea didn't make the cut, I still wanted to add a little nod to that story by naming the hometown Hearthsmith, after one of the characters of that comic).

Hope the other contestants didn't struggle as much this round. Look forward to reading your stories, and see you in part two of this round!