The inspiration for this story was the uncle of Dunstan High School year 9 pupil FinlayRussel, who was trapped alone in his home during the 1978 floods.
Thunder clapped overhead and rain pelted down on to the roof of the lodge.
The wintry storm clouds covered whatever stars were above.
Alex looked out of the dark window and down the drive.
His parents had been due home for dinner but had stayed overnight in Tarras because of the storm.
He walked over and stoked the fire.
A loud crash echoed from outside and Alex ran towards the front door and threw it open.
A strong gust of wind knocked him over.
He stood up shakily and looked through the torrents of falling water.
Lightning flashed and for a second, Alex could see the Manuherikia River overflowing, branches and debris floating swiftly downstream.
Mr Russel lived down by the river. Alex realised he had to warn him about the flood.
He barrelled back inside, ditching his now soaked Nomads, grabbed the phone off the receiver and dialled.
"Damn it,'' he cried.
"The storm must have knocked down the line.''
He hurried into the kitchen and grabbed a torch from the mantle before throwing on his raincoat and boots.
After taking a deep breath, Alex began to run blindly down the hill towards Mr Russel's house, with the torch not providing much light in the downpour.
As he arrived at Mr Russel's house, the sound of the river became deafening.
He banged loudly on the door: "Mr Russel, open up, it's an emergency!''
Mr Russel appeared in the window briefly before opening the door.
"Boy, what are you doing here? You're soaked,'' Mr Russel yelled above the storm, ushering Alex into the house.
He slammed the door shut.
"The storm's crazy. Why'd you leave your house?'' he asked.
"Mr Russel, I came to warn you the river is flooding. Can you not hear it?'' Alex said.
Mr Russel looked towards the river then turned and spoke.
"Alex, go back home. I need to grab something, but I'll be right behind you. Leave the door unlocked for me.''
He grabbed Alex's shoulder and pushed him towards the door.
"Don't dawdle boy,'' he said as Alex left the warmth of the house.
He ran back up the hill to his home.
Rain was blurring his vision.
He slipped over and started sliding downhill.
Suddenly, Mr Russel was there helping him to his feet, mouthing something he could not make out.
Together they ran to the house and slipped inside, water dripping on to the floor.
Alex looked back out through the window and saw a glimpse of the steadily rising river approaching Mr Russel's house.
"Mr Russel, what do we do now?'' Alex asked nervously.
Mr Russel walked over and stood beside Alex, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry son, we'll be OK.''
The two of them stood there silently in the night and watched the river below.
