the backdrop of disaster. The opening portion of the text portrays a tense and chaotic night where Johannes and his family are awakened by rising water flooding their home. The narrative establishes an immediate sense of urgency as they scramble to gather their children and some belongings while witnessing the panic in their village. Amidst the turmoil, the mother, Christel, remains composed, emphasizing the importance of making critical decisions under pressure. As the family is forced to leave their home, both the physical and emotional losses become apparent, setting the stage for the exploration of their struggle to rebuild their lives amid the devastation. This part of the story captures the depth of human experience in the face of tragedy, hinting at the resilience and hope that may follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)