Fire.

The train slowed, then stopped, as the smell of burning became stronger. We heard the cooling system shutting off, as power was cut. It was a hot, still day, early June, but this was not Adlestrop, no branch line idyll. A house was on fire trackside, and whilst people phoned airlines and cancelled hospital appointments, the guard told us that everything within the house had been destroyed. After five sweltering hours, we moved, passing the smouldering ruin. I pondered, if this happened to my house, and I had the chance, what would I save?

 Everything which I have ever written.

 

 by Marie Hartley