The morning sun poured through the high arching windows of the grand estate.
Dust motes danced softly in the bright light that illuminated the wide hallway.
Every piece of furniture looked carefully placed to show off absolute success and wealth.
A giant American flag hung proudly on the tall marble wall near the entryway.
Young Lily sat quietly on a plush velvet chair near the main staircase.
She adjusted her small dress while holding a soft stuffed bear in her lap.
The house was usually very quiet whenever her father was away on business trips.
Her stepmother, Victoria, walked slowly down the long grand staircase with heavy steps.
Victoria wore a vibrant blue dress that dragged slightly along the polished floor.
Her face carried a cold look that always made Lily feel very small.
Victoria: Why are you sitting in the main hall again, Lily?
Lily pressed the stuffed bear closer to her chest and looked down quickly.
Lily: I was just waiting for Daddy to come back home.
Victoria: Your father is busy running a million-dollar company and does not need distractions.
Lily kept her voice tiny as she answered her stern stepmother.
Lily: He said he would be home before lunch time today.
Victoria: Stand up right now and head straight up to your bedroom.
Lily hesitated because she wanted to be the first to greet her father.
Victoria stepped closer, her heels clicking loudly against the shiny marble tiles.
Victoria: Did you hear what I just said to you, girl?
Lily: Please, I just want to wait five more minutes here.
Victoria snatched the stuffed bear right out of Lily's small hands instantly.
Victoria: You need to learn how to follow orders in this home!
Lily reached out to grab her favorite toy back from the angry woman.
Lily: Please give it back to me, Victoria!
Victoria pointed her long finger directly toward the grand stairs with anger.
Victoria: Go to your room this instant before I lose my patience completely!
Lily stumbled back slightly as Victoria raised her hand to wave her away.
The young girl lost her balance on the slippery polished marble floor.
She fell down hard onto the ground and began to cry softly.
Victoria stood over the small girl without showing any sympathy at all.
Victoria: Stop crying like a little baby this very second!
Lily: Please, stop yelling at me!
The front doors suddenly swung wide open with a sharp, heavy thud.