The summer sun beat down on the clean white walls of the estate.
Mark looked around the grand yard with a light sigh of exhaustion.
He had worked hard for many years to build a peaceful life for his daughter.
His young child, Lily, was running near the bright blue pool.
Her bright pink dress moved softly in the warm afternoon breeze.
Mark loved seeing his little girl smile after all they had been through.
His new wife, Evelyn, stood near the long wooden patio table.
She wore a bright gold gown that caught the sunlight with every step.
Evelyn was not happy about sharing the family fortune with a young stepdaughter.
She often looked at the little girl with cold and quiet anger.
Mark believed that Evelyn just needed time to adjust to her new family role.
He did not see the harsh glares that Evelyn gave Lily when he turned away.
The American flag fluttered gently on its tall pole near the garage wall.
It was supposed to be a happy day of celebration with close neighborhood friends.
Caterers walked across the green grass carrying trays of cold drinks and fresh snacks.
Lily picked up a fallen flower near the edge of the large garden path.
She wanted to give the flower to Evelyn as a small peace offering today.
The little girl walked slowly toward the pool deck where Evelyn was standing alone.
Evelyn adjusted her gold dress and looked down her nose at the approaching child.
She did not want a child around to ruin her high social standing.
Lily held out the bright yellow flower with a small and sweet smile.
Lily: I picked this nice flower for you today, Evelyn.
Evelyn did not take the flower from the small hand of the child.
Instead, her face twisted into a harsh look of utter disgust and disdain.
Evelyn: I do not want your dirty flower, you silly little girl.
Lily took a small step back as her smile quickly faded into fear.
Lily: I just wanted to make you feel happy with us today.
Evelyn: Get out of my sight!
Evelyn reached out her hand and shoved the small child backward with force.
Lily lost her footing on the wet tiles near the deep pool edge.
She slipped backward into the bright sparkling water with a heavy splash.
The cool blue water pulled the little girl down toward the deep concrete bottom.
Evelyn stood on the dry edge and watched without moving a single muscle.