The water was knee height when I walked out of my bedroom. What the hell had happened? My brand new school shoes were soaked and I head to even worn them one day yet!

“Mum!” I yelled, “What’s going on?”

The lights faltered for a second, springing on and off. Water gushed out from what seemed like nowhere. It was already up to my hip.

“Dad!” Dom cried out. I rushed towards his room, but I didn’t need to. We met in the middle of the hall.

“Paddy, why is there water everywhere?” He asked.

“I don’t know,” I said, “are you ok?”

“I guess so, but where’s mum and dad?”

“I don’t know,” I said again. I felt so stupid. I was supposed to be his older brother, but I think I was failing. “Stay here,” I decided.

I took a breath and swam downstairs. Thankfully, the console table was just next to the stairs. Opening the draw with one hand, I crossed the other’s fingers. I scrambled around at the contents that weren’t of any use, but I couldn’t find the keys to the door.

Quickly, I grabbed onto the stairs and pushed myself up, gasping for air as I resurfaced. The water had risen to chest height bu the time I was down there.

Water splashed onto our heads from the ceiling. I picked up Dom the water was almost up to his head.

“How is that even possible?” I shouted at it.

“Are you ok?” Dom asked.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine,” I said, “but the door keys aren’t there!”

“Oh no! What are we going to do? Are we going to die?” He stressed.

“No, we’ll be ok.” I reassured him, not even believing it myself.

I could feel my neck beginning to be splattered with the water, gradually creeping to my face.

“Deep breath, Dom!” I said. He sobbed in reply.

With the final flickering of lights, I took a deep breath, knowing I had done everything I could to to save us.