The force of the floodwater was slowly pushing the heavy table.
Richard grabbed the thick table legs with all of his strength.
Two other male guests waded over to help anchor the wood.
Together, the adults leaned their bodies hard against the oak frame.
Richard: Stay back and brace yourselves against the strong surge!
Guest: The water level is finally stopping its quick rise!
Inside the shelter, Elena stroked Lily's wet hair gently.
Elena: See? Your daddy is right here helping us now.
Lily: You saved us from the big wave, Elena.
Elena: You both were very brave through the whole thing.
Clara reached under the table and took her daughter's cold hand.
Tears streamed down Clara's face, washing away her heavy makeup.
Clara: I am so sorry I left you, my sweet baby.
Clara: I was so scared that I lost my mind.
Tim: Elena held us the whole time under the water.
Tim: She got hurt by a chair so we would not get hit.
Clara looked closely at Elena's bruised and swollen shoulder.
The maid was still trembling from exposure to the freezing water.
Yet her arms remained wrapped securely around the young children.
Clara felt a deep wave of guilt wash over her heart.
She remembered how rudely she had spoken to Elena earlier tonight.
She had treated Elena like an invisible, worthless servant girl.
Now this brave worker was the only reason her children survived.
Outside the ballroom doors, the sound of loud sirens echoed faintly.
Rescue workers were arriving at the damaged estate with equipment.
The water level inside the hall began to lower gradually.
The main drainage systems were slowly clearing the flooded room.
Richard: Help is finally here, everyone stay calm!
Elena: Cover your ears sweetie, it will be loud outside.
Elena shielded the children until the emergency crew opened doors.