The hallway was long and bright.
Mark loved his beautiful white mansion.
He walked inside after a long day.
His expensive suit felt heavy on him.
He expected to hear happy sound today.
Usually his young daughter was playing here.
Usually his tiny infant son was laughing.
Instead the big house was totally quiet.
The air felt cold and strange now.
Mark put his car keys on table.
He looked around the empty front room.
His wife Victoria was nowhere in sight.
He stepped deeper into the big hallway.
Then he heard a small dull thud.
It sounded like wood on hard marble.
Mark stopped walking and held his breath.
He looked up toward the stairs area.
A small figure appeared near the top.
It was his little daughter named Chloe.
Chloe was ten years old this year.
She had soft blonde hair and eyes.
She was using her wooden crutches today.
Her left leg was still in cast.
She looked tired and very small there.
On her back was a blue bundle.
It was her baby brother named Leo.
Leo was strapped tight to her back.
The baby was crying softly right now.
Chloe moved as fast as she could.
Her crutches clicked against the hard floor.
Tears were running down her pale face.
Mark felt his heart freeze up instantly.
He ran forward toward his two children.
His smart dark suit coat flapped open.
Mark: Hold on! I'm here!
Chloe kept moving down the long hallway.
She gasped for breath with every step.
Her arms were shaking from the weight.
Chloe: I had to protect him!
Mark reached his sweet daughter very fast.
He dropped right down on his knees.
Victoria came running out behind Mark now.
She wore a fancy royal blue dress.
Her face looked very pale and nervous.
Mark carefully unhooked the small baby straps.
He lifted baby Leo into his arms.
The little boy was crying very loud.
Mark held the warm baby close tight.
He reached out to touch Chloe's face.
Her cheek was wet from many tears.
Mark: Shh, it's okay... What happened sweetheart?
Chloe pressed against her father's shoulder.
She wiped her wet eyes with sleeve.
Chloe: I was trying to keep him safe!
Mark felt a cold fear inside him.
He looked directly into her crying eyes.
Mark: Safe from what?!
Chloe looked back toward the dark doorway.
She lowered her trembling young voice down.
Chloe: Mom said we couldn't make a sound...
Mark turned his head around very slowly.
Victoria stood completely still in the light.