"Gypsy, go!" I yelled and whacked her on the hindquarters. She bolted for the door.

The mare lurched after Gypsy, jerking sideways and throwing me off balance. Another piece of the ceiling fell, hitting her on the withers. I fell, thinking that I was about to be trampled by a terrified horse.

I crawled after them as fast as I could. Out into the fresh air.

I just wanted to lie there, coughing and choking on a dry throat. My lungs felt like they needed a bath.

More crashing behind me, and a cloud of dust came whooshing out. Something hit the door, and it slammed shut.

I scrambled up, mounted Gypsy with a jump. The mare was close, and I grabbed her shortened reins. We rode out. Fast. I heard the house collapse as we entered the meadow. A house of cards folding. All that was left was a pile of shattered, gray boards.