

The friendly black steam train listened. 'A pet is lost,' he whispered. His large eyes blinked with care. 'I'll help find you, friend, today.' He smiled gently and chuffed forward.

He rolled toward unfamiliar neighborhoods bravely. Fog curled around tracks like ribbons. 'Stay calm, be kind,' he murmured. Streetlights blinked; his headlamp glowed steady. Determination puffed with every soft chuff.

He entered a quiet market district. Empty platforms echoed his gentle whistle. 'Have you seen a small pet?' Only crates answered with hollow knocks. Dusty pawprints dotted the wooden boards.

Moonlight silvered the curving side tracks. He followed tiny pawprints, careful, patient. 'Left or right?' he quietly wondered. A breeze nudged warm scents rightward. He steered gently into that direction.

Raindrops freckled his shiny black boiler. Rails grew slick, so he slowed. 'Stay safe, little friend,' he whispered. His headlamp scanned alleys and crossings. Compassion guided every cautious wheel turn.

A faint bell jingled beyond warehouses. He paused, listening through dripping eaves. 'I hear you!' he called softly. The sound skipped across a bridge. He chuffed uphill, strong and sure.

Neon signs sparkled over cozy porches. A tipped water bowl glistened nearby. 'You must be thirsty,' he murmured. He waited quietly, patience steadying steam. Kindness warmed the breezy station night.

A soft rustle whispered under benches. Two bright eyes shimmered, shy, uncertain. 'It's okay,' he soothed, voice hushed. He lowered his whistle, almost silent. Gentle warmth pooled from his boiler.

He hummed a small lullaby whistle. The shadow edged closer, ears pricked. 'You're safe with me,' he promised. His large eyes reflected friendly stars. The tiny shape relaxed, breathing evenly.

He opened a cozy carriage door. A blanket waited like a meadow. 'Climb aboard, brave wanderer,' he invited. Soft paws hopped gently inside, grateful. He smiled wider, steam sighing happily.

Tracks home curved through sleeping streets. 'Comfortable there?' he asked, chuffing tenderly. The passenger car rustled, contented, cuddled. He kept steady speed, careful brakes. 'Thank you, neighborhoods,' he whispered gratefully.

Familiar station lights bloomed like dawn. He chalked 'Lost pet found' aboard. 'Well done, heart,' he told himself. The little passenger rested, safe, homeward. Bravery, determination, compassion steamed quietly onward.