a 55-word story...

 

The shot hit the palomino’s flank. He faltered, struggling to carry his rider and the girl straddled behind. 

“Kick him!” she shrieked.

The rifle aimed again at the horse. They wanted her unharmed.

“Kick him!”

He couldn’t carry both.

Horse or human.

Johnny kicked---hard enough for Barranca to bolt.

Hard enough to dump Teresa.