Dreams Come True

to narrow and they slowed Twilight and Shadow to a trot and then to a walk. Both ponies were breathing hard from the canter, so Lauren and Mel let them walk for a while.
    Suddenly, they heard a deep, low rumbling noise. The leaves on the branches nearest to them seemed to shiver slightly.
    ‘Thunder!’ Mel said, looking at Lauren in alarm. ‘We’d better turn around.’
    As they began to trot back along the trail, they heard a pitter-pattering of rain on the leafy canopy above them.
    Mel nodded and Shadow and Twilight began to canter along the path. Lauren felt worried. Her parents had warned her lots of times about not being out in a thunderstorm.
    As they reached the entrance to the woods, Lauren reined Twilight in. A jagged flash of lightning forked down, lighting up the darkened sky.
    ‘Maybe we should stay here,’ Mel stammered, looking frightened.
    ‘No, it’s really dangerous to stay near trees,’ Lauren said. ‘The lightning might strike one of them.’ She looked down the path towards the house. ‘If we gallop, we’ll be back in a minute,’ she said, looking at the lights shining invitingly out of the farmhouse’s windows. ‘Come on!’
    She leaned forward and Twilight plunged out from the trees.
    ‘Come on, Twilight,’ Lauren urged, leaning low over his neck like a jockey. Twilight’s hooves pounded as he galloped down the track, passing the hay-barn and heading towards the barn with Shadow’s stall.
    Suddenly, Lauren saw Mel’s dad standing in the barn’s entrance.
    Reaching Mr Cassidy, Twilight skidded to a halt. Shadow was only a metre behind.
    ‘Quick!’ Mr Cassidy shouted above the noise of the storm. ‘Get into the barn before the rain gets any heavier!’
    Lauren and Mel flung themselves off Twilight and Shadow’s backs and ran with them inside.
    ‘I’ve never seen a storm blow up so quickly,’ Mr Cassidy said.
    Suddenly, there was a clap of thunder and at the same time the sky outside lit up with a bright white flash of lightning. There was a loud bang nearby.
    Mr Cassidy ran to the entrance and looked out. ‘A tree by the hay-barn’s been hit. It’s on fire!’ he exclaimed. ‘I’m going to have to call the fire department. You stay here while I go to the house. I don’t want you outside in this.’
    ‘But what about the fire?’ Mel cried.
    ‘It’s all right. It won’t reach you here,’ Mr Cassidy said. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can.’ And with that, he ducked his head and ran out.
    Lauren led Twilight to the entrance and looked up the track towards the hay-barn. The tall oak tree that stood next to it was burning brightly.
    Mel joined her. ‘If it falls, the whole barn will go up in flames! Dad had better be…’ She broke off, her eyes widening. ‘Sparkle!’ she cried in horror. ‘Lauren! Sparkle and her kittens are inside!’

Nine
    M el put her foot in the stirrup and swung herself up on to Shadow’s back.
    ‘What are you doing?’ Lauren exclaimed.
    ‘I’ve got to save Sparkle,’ Mel said, digging her heels into Shadow’s sides and heading out.
    ‘It’s too dangerous, Mel!’ Lauren cried.
    But it was too late. Mel was already cantering Shadow up the track towards the barn.
    Lauren didn’t hesitate. Swinging herself up on Twilight’s back, she galloped after her friend. ‘Mel! Stop!’ she yelled. She hated the thought of Sparkle and the kittens being trapped in the barn, but she knew Mel’s life could be in danger if she went inside.
    But Mel didn’t listen. She urged Shadow past the burning tree and up to the barn door. Jumping off his back, she hauled it open.
    Sparkle came racing out. She was carrying one of the kittens in her mouth. Lauren saw a flash of white on the kitten’s tummy. Star! But what about Midnight? He must still be inside.
    To her horror, Lauren saw Mel loop Shadow’s reins over her arm and run into the barn.
    Twilight gave an alarmed whinny. There was a loud creak. Lauren looked up. A huge burning branch of the oak tree looked as if it was about to break off.
    ‘Mel!’ she shouted. ‘Get out!’
    Mel appeared on foot in the doorway of the barn, clutching Midnight.
    ‘Quick!’ Lauren yelled, looking up at the tree.
    But it was too late. Before Mel could get out of the barn, there was a loud crack and the burning branch crashed to the ground in front of the barn door.

    Mel screamed and Lauren gasped. The branch was blocking the way out!
    Lauren could just see Mel’s terrified eyes through the smoke