Victoria raised the burning match closer toward the small cloth toy.
Lily screamed in pure panic and curled up into a ball.
Lily: No, please, mommy Victoria, don't do it!
Elena rushed forward across the white marble floor without a single second's delay.
She blew out the match flame with one sharp quick breath of air.
Then she pulled little Lily safely into her strong, protective arms.
Elena: Leave her alone right now!
Victoria stumbled back against the kitchen island in utter shock.
She dropped the box of matches onto the polished floor surface.
Her face twisted with intense anger as she regained her balance.
Victoria: How dare you touch me, you pathetic servant!
Elena: You are cruelty personified, and I will not allow this abuse!
Victoria: You are fired as of this very second, get out!
Elena: Fire me if you want, but I am taking Lily with me!
Victoria grabbed a glass tumbler from the counter in high rage.
Victoria: You will step away from that child immediately or regret it!
Elena hugged Lily tighter against her chest to shield her completely.
Elena: Do not come any closer, ma'am!
Lily buried her face into Elena's grey cotton uniform collar.
Lily: Thank you, Elena, please don't let her hurt me!
Elena: I won't let anyone scare you, sweetie, you are safe.
Victoria raised her hand to slap the brave maid across her face.
She wanted to tear the child away and assert her total control.
The tension in the bright luxury kitchen reached a dangerous high point.
Neither woman backed down as they stood facing each other squarely.
Elena stood her ground like a tall solid rock in the storm.
She knew that her career as a maid was completely over now.
Yet she felt no fear because protecting the child mattered so much more.
Suddenly the heavy double oak doors of the house burst open wide.
Heavy footsteps echoed rapidly across the front entrance hall floor.
A deep voice echoed through the high archways of the home.