At first, I didn’t even know about it. I don’t have a TV or listen to the radio. I guess I knew when I saw the first cars going past, roofs piled high with bundles and boxes. Sure, I knew the river was up, but it’s been up before. No need to panic.
Sheriff came by Tuesday morning and told me they were evacuating, that I was the last one down here, that if I didn’t come willingly then it was on me. I asked him what he meant. He pointed at the river, higher than anyone’d ever seen it.
Hopefully he will go.
He needs to move. And get a radio.
Listen to the sheriff… but there are always those refusing….
He sounds stubborn else why wouldn’t he have a radio and other modern gadgets. I think he’s going to insist on staying
Aarrghh! One of those guys whose stubbornness is plain stupidity. Well captured.
I sometimes wonder how many people die because of pride or ignorance. I’m not sure of this fellow’s fate, but I rather hope he saw reason and departed.
I remember watching a documentary about a man in Hawaii who stayed on his property long after his neighbors evacuated, with rivers of lava threatening to consume everything in their path. Your story reminded me of that, you captured the essence of oblivion and delusion so well.
I love the tone of voice in this piece and that you leave us still not knowing if he will stay or go.
Very topical, you reminded me that rivers aren’t always gentle creatures, as much as I love them.
A large number of people have been in this situation in England this winter – and in many other parts of the world too.
Having been in a flood, this one brought shivers. Great story.
Such a stubborn man, I hope he listens to the sheriff. Great story,very realistic. I’m afraid that’s a sad reality in many places in the world.
I get the image of an elderly man who might be kind of confused by the situation. Hopefully he’ll get out and not go down with the ship, as it were.
I like how the readers are just as cut off from what is happening as the narrator. We have no idea if this is an isolated incident specific to one river or the beginning of a global catastrophe. If the latter turns out to be true then perhaps joining an en masse evacuation might not be his best option.
Enjoyed! Glad the sheriff was there!