Mark turned the corner of the house just as the huge splash hit.
His heart dropped into his stomach when he saw the empty patio space.
He spotted the bright pink dress sinking beneath the surface of the pool.
His mind raced with sheer terror as he realized what had just happened.
Mark ran across the green lawn as fast as his legs could move.
His shoes dug into the soft grass as he ignored everything else around.
He sprinted past the large USA flag hanging near the pool side house.
Evelyn remained standing by the water with her arms crossed over her gown.
She did not reach down to help the struggling child in the water.
She did not shout for help or run to grab a float device.
Mark did not stop to take off his leather shoes or dark trousers.
He launched his body into the air and dived into the deep pool.
The sudden cold impact of the water hit his face with massive force.
He opened his eyes underwater and searched frantically through the clear blue space.
Lily was kicking her little feet, trying desperately to float back to safety.
Her wide eyes were filled with tears and terror beneath the deep water.
Mark kicked his legs hard and reached his arms out for his child.
He wrapped his strong arms around her small waist in a firm grip.
Lily held onto her father's white shirt with all her remaining strength.
Mark pushed off the bottom of the pool with a powerful leg kick.
They rose together quickly through the bubbles toward the bright daylight above.
Their heads broke through the surface of the water with a loud gasp.
Mark breathed in the cool air and pulled Lily high onto his chest.
He swam toward the concrete edge using his free arm to propel them.
He lifted Lily safely up onto the warm tile floor of the deck.
The child was gasping for air and coughing up swallowed pool water immediately.
Mark climbed out of the pool, dripping wet and shaking with deep anxiety.
He fell to his knees beside his daughter on the wet pool edge.
Mark: Breathe, come on, look at me!
Lily coughed hard and cried into the wet front of his shirt.
Lily: Daddy...
Mark wrapped his arms tightly around his daughter to keep her warm now.
He turned his head slowly and looked up at his cold wife.