Emily dragged the heavy mop bucket across the polished white marble floor.
Every slight movement made her lungs ache with deep and hollow discomfort.
Victoria stood at the top of the grand staircase watching every move.
Victoria: You missed a spot near the bottom of the oak banister!
Emily: I am trying my best, but I feel very weak today.
Victoria: Excuses will not earn you any sympathy or medicine here!
Emily dipped the yellow sponge into the bucket of cold soapy water.
Her trembling fingers could barely squeeze the excess water from the cloth.
She bent down low to wipe the black scuff marks off the floor.
Victoria walked down the stairs slowly while holding a cold glass mug.
She set the glass down sharply on the decorative foyer side table.
Victoria: Drink this juice and get back to your assigned duties immediately.
Emily: I do not want any juice right now, thank you.
Victoria: You will obey my instructions without any further talking back!
Emily reached out her hand and took the tall glass of liquid.
She swallowed a small sip just to satisfy her harsh stepmother's demand.
A burning sensation immediately tickled the very back of her tender throat.
She coughed heavily and set the glass back down on the table.
Emily: What did you put inside this glass of fruit juice?
Victoria: Nothing that a healthy young girl cannot handle with proper discipline.
Emily gasped as her throat began to feel tight and scratchy.
She realized there were trace amounts of almond oil inside the juice drink.
Her severe nut allergy began to react within just a few seconds.
She reached frantically toward Victoria's glittering royal blue evening dress.
Emily: Please, my severe allergy is acting up right now!
Victoria: Stop making dramatic scenes to get out of doing your work!
Emily dropped to her knees on the hard white marble floor surface.
She pointed her finger toward the blue purse resting on the counter.
Emily: The inhaler... I need the rescue medicine right away!
Victoria: You will learn your place in this house starting today!
Victoria stood over the struggling girl with a cold and cruel expression.
She refused to move an inch toward the purse on the counter.
Emily clutched her throat while tears streamed down her soft red cheeks.
The grand foyer felt completely silent except for her shallow raspy breaths.