That old house

I came to senses.

Air was hot. Burning almost. And dry. It was so dry that my nose hurt and I wished I did not had to breath. Through the mouth was only making it worse.

I soon remembered. This was not air. It was sand!

Footsteps above were getting louder. He was coming down the stairs. Limping.

I was going to faint again. I felt it.

I tried to focus and picture the word in my mind. As if it would make any difference. Help!