Thomas rolled into his side, his large frame causing the springs of the mattress to squeak. That's what woke her, wasn't it? Ava shivered in the September chill and snuggled closer to her husband, drawing comfort from his warmth. He drew her closer, enveloping her in his strong arms. That's when she heard it, the unmistakable sound of a plane engine.

"Thomas?" She whispered urgently.

Instantly he was awake, leaping catlike from the bed and pushing the heavy curtain aside. Flashes of light cast eerie shadows across his face.

Ava swung her legs off the bed the cold of the floorboards a shock against her bare feet. "What is it?" She queried as the first bomb exploded.

Her ears were ringing as Thomas flung her unceremoniously into the corner furthest from the window. Then he flipped the heavy iron bed against the wall over her. She cried out as the heavy mattress pressed her to the cold floor. Then he was there, his body over hers as the crash of wood and breaking glass rent the air.

There was a sudden tremble, and then she was falling. Her stomach roiling as the floor collapsed beneath them, a flash of red hot pain, and then nothing.