The cold water rushed over Mark's head instantly as he sank.
He opened his eyes underwater despite the strong stinging feeling.
The deep pool was dark near the tiled bottom edge.
He spotted a small shape moving frantically down below him.
Mark kicked his legs hard to reach his young daughter.
His hands reached out through the heavy bubbling blue water.
He grabbed Lily securely around her small wet waistline now.
He pulled her up toward the surface with all his strength.
They burst through the top of the water together gasping.
Mark held his daughter high above the splashing pool waves.
Lily coughed repeatedly and cried out against his shoulder blade.
Lily: Daddy, I was so scared!
Mark: I have got you, baby, you are safe!
Mark climbed out onto the slippery concrete pool deck safely.
He wrapped his wet arms tight around his shaking child.
He looked up to see where Elena had gone off to.
Elena was standing near the large glass sliding doors nearby.
She was wearing a long red gown and watching him quietly.
Her face did not show any panic or fear at all.
She simply stood there with her hands crossed together loosely.
Mark felt a wave of icy suspicion wash over him.
Mark: Why were you just standing there watching her?
Elena: It happened so fast I could not move!
Mark stood up while holding Lily tightly against his chest.
He wiped the water away from his wet forehead quickly.
Elena took a small step backward toward the dark house.
Her calm look gave way to a brief sudden glare.
Mark realized in that moment something was deeply wrong here.