16th March
This evening was one Ill never forget. After a long, drizzly afternoon in Yorkshire, I was reading in the front room when a sudden flash of lightning split the sky. Within seconds, a terrible crack echoed across the fieldsthe barn across from our cottage had been struck.
My heart pounded as I glanced outside and saw smoke curling up from the old red-tiled roof. Without thinking, I dashed out into the muddy yard, my wellies slipping slightly, rain still spitting down. The barn doors, swollen from years of damp English weather, took all my strength to thump and rattle open. I shouted, desperate to warn the fourteen Shire horses insidebeautiful animals, each one part of our family.
MumTracy Martinwasnt far behind. Later she told everyone, I honestly dont think any of us wouldve made it, if it hadnt been for him. I remember racing through the smoke and heat, thinking only of how much these horses meant to us all. It isnt the first time Ive forced myself into danger for others, but a fire the flames seemed to roar and dance with a life of their own.
Thankfully, the horses were skittish but willing, and with Mums help we managed to lead, push, coax, and even drag them outside into the rainy yard. My hands shook as we counted each one, their big hooves splattering mud onto our jeans. The barn wasnt completely destroyedthe fire brigade arrived quickly and managed to douse the flames before they spread to the house. Still, the acrid smell of smoke hung heavy in the air as the sky rumbled with aftershocks.
To make matters stranger, what followed was a brief earthquakea rare occurrence here. The windows clattered in their frames, and the brass ornaments atop the mantelpiece teetered dangerously. No one was hurt. One neighbour from the next farm over said, half-laughing, Dont remember Yorkshire ever being this lively! The BBC reported later that no serious damage had been found throughout the county.
Mum keeps saying how proud she is, keeps telling everyone how my quick actions saved our beloved Shires. I suppose I was only doing what any decent person would. After all, family means everythingand in Yorkshire, that includes our animals.
