Down inside the study, Mark heard his wife's terrifying scream echo through the house.
He threw his file folder onto the wooden desk and bolted out into the hallway.
His heart slammed violently against his chest as he saw a sight that froze his blood.
Sarah was tumbling down through the double-height space toward the hard marble floor below.
Time seemed to slow down completely as her bright pink dress blew wild in the air.
Mark did not hesitate for a single second.
He sprinted across the polished floor with every ounce of speed in his body.
His shoes slid against the marble, but he forced his legs to push harder.
Mark: Sarah!
Sarah stretched her hands downward in pure terror as the floor rushed up toward her.
Sarah: Mark, help me!
Mark leaped across the final distance while throwing his entire body forward.
He extended his arms outward right above the hard stone surface.
With a violent thud, Mark caught his wife securely against his chest right before impact.
The tremendous force knocked the air straight out of his lungs as they slid onto the floor.
Mark rolled onto his side to cushion Sarah completely from the solid ground.
Dust settled in the grand room while heavy breathing filled the heavy silence.
Mark gasped for air while tightening his arms around his trembling wife.
Mark: I have got you, baby, I have got you!
Sarah buried her wet face into his suit jacket while sobbing loudly.
Sarah: Is our baby safe? Please tell me the baby is okay!
Mark gently placed his warm palm against her soft belly to feel for movement.
Mark: You are safe now, my love, you are both safe in my arms.
High above on the second floor balcony, Amanda leaned over the edge with wide open eyes.
Her face went completely pale as she realized that Mark had actually caught her.
She gasped loudly while backing away into the dark shadows of the hallway.