Carelessly scraping my feet along the threadbare doormat, I sighed and collapsed onto the worn sofa. Riding over Sunset Hill had tired me out, and I longed for nothing more than to curl up and go to sleep. Well, that wasn't going to happen.
"Amy!" Mum's shrill voice echoed around the yard. Groaning, I reluctantly regained my balance and pulled on my riding boots. They needed cleaning too. Sometimes, having your mum own a horse sanctuary was fantastic- others it was horrible. "Stella and Misty need to be mucked out, and Blackberry still needs to be ridden!" Mum strode around the corner, looking tired and worn, her fair blonde hair escaping its loose ponytail and flailing wildly in the soft but determined breeze.
I cantered up the grassy slopes as golden evening rays basked on my sturdy shoulders. Blackberry leapt over the small stone wall, about two feet off the ground.
Laughing, I turned Blackberry sharply around and prepared for the jump again. Approaching the jump from an angle, I heard a teeth clenching crack, like one thousand joints being ripped from their sockets. Blackberry lurched forwards, smacking into the wall, as I was tossed forwards and sent spiralling towards the ground. My hand smashed into the ground, absorbing the impact. Pain shot through my arm as my world turned black...
"Hey, sweetheart." An excessively plumped pillow was hastily stashed beneath me as I lifted my head up and surveyed my surroundings. I dropped my head back onto the sofa arm. Mum and dad were crowded around the tiny setee, and my older brother, Danny, perched on the arm, grinning at me. I smiled weakly back.
"Gave us a right good scare there, Amy!" Cautiously I raised my battered and bruised arm upwards, but instantly let it cascade down again as I felt my bones lurch heavily, and butterflies dance in my stomach.There was a light whinnie from the yard and I suddenly remembered Blackberry. Gasping, I struggled to heave myself from the sofa. Head spinning, I stumbled into the kitchen.
"Whoa! Easy!" Danny dashed forward and grabbed me by my waist. With a grateful smile, I manoeuvred my arm as he hoisted me onto his shoulders. Mum bustled in, her face flushed and panicked.
"Danny!" She screeched. "Put her down, we don't need her more injured than she is!" Danny laughed and whisked me out into the yard. Blackberry nickered softly, and nuzzled my leg. Danny gave him a hasty pat on the neck, before lowering me to the ground. The cotton sling rubbed against the back of my neck. I turned around, facing Danny, who was rapidly conversing with the vet in the corner.
Slowly he turned around, eyes glistening with tears.
"Danny?" I whispered.
He took my hands. "Amy- her legs are broken." My heart cracked.
