The morning sun shone brightly through the tall glass windows of the grand hallway.
Mark adjusted his dark silk tie as he walked toward his home office downstairs.
He expected a quiet Saturday morning with his family in their large suburban home.
Suddenly, a sharp cry echoed across the polished white marble floors of the hallway.
Mark stopped instantly in his tracks and turned around toward the sound.
His heart started pounding fast against his chest as he heard frantic sobbing nearby.
He ran around the corner toward the main staircase to see what was happening.
His young daughter Emily was crawling across the hard floor using her leg braces.
She was holding her tiny baby brother closely against her small arm to protect him.
Tears were streaming down her pale cheeks as she gasped for her breath.
Mark: Emily! What is wrong?!
Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and rushed straight toward his children.
He slid down onto his knees beside the cold marble floor with deep concern.
He gently scooped the crying baby up into his arms and held him tight.
Mark: I am here now! What happened to you two?
Emily looked up at her father with trembling lips and dark wide eyes.
She held onto her steel leg braces with her small shaking fingers.
Emily: I had to keep him safe, Daddy!
Mark looked perplexed and worried as he looked down at his brave little girl.
He reached out his free hand and gently touched her chin with care.
Mark: Safe from what, sweetie? Tell me right now.
Emily leaned in closer and spoke in a trembling and terrified whisper.
Emily: Mommy said we had to stay quiet, Daddy...
Mark felt a cold chill run down his spine at those words.
He raised his head slowly and looked down the long white hallway.
His wife Victoria was standing under the frame near the high archway.
She wore a crisp white blouse and held her hands folded together coldly.
Her face went completely pale as Mark made direct eye contact with her.
Mark: Victoria, what is she talking about?
Victoria took a slow step backward away from her husband and kids.
Victoria: She is just confused, Mark. You know how her mind imagines things.
Mark knew in his heart that his daughter was not making this up.
He set the little baby safely down onto a soft carpet nearby.
Then he stood up slowly to confront his wife face to face.
Mark: You monster! What did you do to them while I was gone?
Victoria turned around quickly and began walking rapidly toward the back door.
Mark followed close behind her with angry and fast heavy footsteps.
He needed to know the whole truth right now before she could escape.