The bright morning sun streamed through the massive glass windows of the grand foyer.
Arthur stepped out of his sleek dark sedan and adjusted his tailored navy jacket.
He walked up the stone path with a light heart, thinking of his toddler son, Leo.
The family mansion was usually quiet at this hour of the day.
Arthur pulled open the heavy front door and stepped onto the polished marble floor.
The silent hall carried a sharp, cold echo that made him pause in his tracks.
He heard the sound of heavy footsteps echoing near the second-floor balcony.
Arthur placed his briefcase on the side table near the entryway.
He expected to hear the sweet laughter of his young son playing with his blocks.
Instead, a harsh voice rang out from the top of the white marble staircase.
Mother Evelyn: Get out of my way right now, you noisy little brat!
Arthur froze near the decorative table as his heart sank into his chest.
He recognized the sharp, impatient voice of his wife, Evelyn.
She was standing near the top landing, wearing a red skirt and a black turtleneck.
Little Leo was standing near the edge of the polished marble steps, crying soft tears.
The little boy reached out his tiny hands, trembling with fear near his cold mother.
Evelyn did not bend down to comfort her frightened little child.
She stepped forward aggressively and waved her hands in total frustration.
Mother Evelyn: Stop crying before I give you a real reason to weep!
Leo stumbled backward in shock as his mother raised her loud voice.
His little shoe slipped over the smooth lip of the top marble step.
Arthur gasped in terror from the entryway and started to sprint forward.
Father Arthur: Evelyn, watch out for the baby!
Just as the toddler lost his footing, a blur of cream fabric rushed into view.
Clara, the young nanny, dropped her laundry basket and lunged toward the steps.
She caught Leo securely in her arms right at the edge of the staircase landing.
The toddler sobbed softly against Clara's shoulder, holding onto her sweater tightly.
Clara held the boy close to her chest and backed away from the dangerous edge.
Arthur reached the bottom of the stairs, his chest heaving with deep panic.
He dropped to his knees on the cold floor to look at his crying son.
Father Arthur: Leo! Are you alright? Let me see you, baby!
Clara knelt beside the father, keeping her arms wrapped safely around the little boy.
Nanny Clara: He is okay, sir, but he was terrified by the sudden shout.
Arthur checked his son's arms and legs with trembling hands.
He looked up toward the balcony where his wife was standing in silence.
Evelyn folded her arms across her chest with a cold expression on her face.
She did not show any concern or rush down to check on her small child.
Arthur felt a cold knot form in his stomach as he stared at her.
He realized that something was terribly wrong in his beautiful home.