Mark did not hesitate for even a single fraction of a second.
He dropped his phone onto the patio table and started running fast.
His sneakers slammed against the hard stone tiles with rapid heavy thuds.
Victoria stood frozen on the deck, watching the blue water ripple outward.
Underneath the surface, Lily struggled in her heavy wet dress.
Air bubbles rushed up toward the sunlight as she tried to breathe.
Mark reached the edge of the pool and leaped headfirst into the water.
The sudden cold shock of the deep pool hit his entire body.
He opened his eyes underwater and spotted the bright pink dress sinking.
With strong strokes, Mark kicked his legs and swam toward his daughter.
He reached out and wrapped his arm securely around Lily's small waist.
He pulled her up tight against his chest and kicked toward the surface.
They broke through the water together with a loud, gasping splash.
Mark coughed and pulled Lily high into the warm Texas air.
Mark: I've got you, baby, I've got you!
Lily: Mamma! Mamma!
Mark scrambled onto the slick edge of the pool deck with heavy effort.
He laid Lily down gently on the dry tiles near the lawn chair.
His heart was pounding violently inside his soaking chest.
He wiped the chlorine water out of Lily's tear-filled eyes immediately.
Mark: Breathe, come on, look at me!
Lily let out a ragged, shaking breath and began to cry loudly.
Mark pulled her into a tight, protective embrace against his wet shirt.
He squeezed his eyes shut as relief washed over his frantic mind.
Across the deck, Victoria pulled her gold dress back softly.
She did not move forward to help or check on the child.
Mark turned his head slowly and looked straight at his new wife.
His eyes burned with absolute rage as he held his daughter tight.
Mark: You are finished!