The bright daylight poured through the large double windows of the playroom.
Evelyn stood near the center of the room wearing an expensive beige blouse.
Her face looked strict and flushed red with intense hidden anger.
Leo and Maya were huddled together on the soft floor near the corner.
The young boy was sobbing uncontrollably while holding his small face tight.
Mark saw a bright dark red mark spreading across his son's cheek.
Maya was trying to hide behind her brother while trembling in complete fear.
Evelyn turned around quickly when she heard the heavy door swing open.
Her cold expression shifted instantly to a fake pleasant smile for Mark.
Mark stood frozen near the threshold as his heart dropped into his stomach.
Father: What is going on in here right now?
Mother: Oh Mark, you came back early from your conference!
Father: Why are my children sitting on the floor crying?
Mother: They were just misbehaving over their afternoon reading homework.
Father: Look at your brother's face, Maya. Tell me the truth.
Girl: Dad! Please help us right now!
Mother: Do not interrupt adult conversations, young lady!
Boy: Dad, please don't let her come near us anymore!
Mark dropped to his knees right beside his two terrified young children.
He wrapped his strong arms around both of them in a warm embrace.
He pulled their shaking bodies close against his navy blue suit jacket.
He felt Leo trembling hard like a small bird in a winter storm.
Mark gently lifted his son's small chin to look closely at him.
The red bruise on Leo's soft cheek was fresh and swollen hot.
Then Maya raised her right arm up toward her father's tearful eyes.
Several deep red scratch marks spanned across her small pale forearm.
Mark felt a wave of icy shock freeze the blood inside his veins.
He stared at the injuries with disbelief and overwhelming terrible grief.
He looked up slowly from the floor toward his well-dressed wife.
Evelyn smoothed down her silk blouse with totally calm hands.
She acted as if nothing unusual had happened in the house today.
Mark realized that the woman he married was a complete stranger now.