Lily sank fast into the deep blue water of the swimming pool.
She did not know how to swim well without her foam floaties.
Underneath the surface, she looked up toward the sunny sky with tearful eyes.
Bubbles escaped from her mouth as she struggled desperately to breathe air.
Victoria stood at the edge of the pool deck with a cold face.
She did not reach down or offer any kind of help.
She crossed her arms tightly over her shimmering gold silk dress.
Victoria: Maybe now you will finally learn how to follow simple rules.
Mark saw his daughter fall from across the grassy green lawn.
His heart stopped in sheer terror as he realized what happened.
He kicked off his heavy leather shoes without waiting a second.
Mark: Lily!
He Sprinted rapidly across the grass toward the deep end of the pool.
Guests gasped loudly as Mark bolted past the buffet dining tables.
He did not stop at the concrete edge for even a moment.
Mark leaped headfirst into the deep water with a thunderous splash.
The cool pool water wrapped instantly around his clothes and body.
He opened his eyes under the surface despite the harsh pool chlorine.
He saw his small daughter sinking toward the dark pool drain.
Mark kicked his legs hard and swam rapidly downward through the water.
He reached out his broad arms and wrapped them tightly around Lily.
She grabbed his soaked white shirt with total panic in her chest.
Mark kicked forcefully off the smooth bottom floor of the pool.
He shot upward toward the bright sunlight streaming through the surface.
They burst through the water together into the warm Texas air.
Mark gasped loudly for oxygen as he pulled Lily up high.
Mark: I have got you, baby, I have got you right here!
He climbed up the metal pool ladder while cradling her safely.
He set her gently down on the dry wooden lounge chairs.
Mark: Breathe, come on, look at me!
Lily coughed up water and choked while pressing against his chest.
Her cheeks were bright red and streaked with heavy salty tears.
Lily: Daddy!
Mark squeezed her tiny frame tightly into his wet white shirt.
He looked up slowly at Victoria with pure fury in his eyes.