Inside the tiny cramped space, young Harrison sat curled up on the cold floorboards.
The young boy held his knees tight against his chest while tears streamed down his pale face.
He blinked heavily against the sudden flood of bright sunlight filling the hidden compartment.
Little Boy: Daddy! Is it really you?!
Arthur dropped to his knees immediately on the polished wooden floor of the hallway.
He reached both hands deep into the narrow space to reach his terrified child.
Arthur: I've got you, buddy! You're safe now!
Arthur lifted Harrison out of the dark compartment and pulled him into a desperate embrace.
The small boy sobbed hysterically into his father's shoulder, clutching his dark suit jacket tightly.
Arthur held his son's head against his neck while standing up straight near the doorway.
His hands shook with raw emotion as he rubbed his son's back to quiet his shaking frame.
Victoria stood back near the decorative side table, her face turning pale and motionless.
Arthur: How long was he inside that wall?
Victoria: He was being disobedient and needed a quiet space to think!
Arthur: You locked a child inside a secret compartment in this house?!
Victoria: It is not as terrible as you are making it sound right now!
Arthur felt an overwhelming wave of cold fury rush straight through his entire body.
He turned his gaze sharply toward Victoria, his eyes filled with absolute rage.
Harrison hid his face deeper into his father's coat, continuing to cry softly.
Arthur: You are a monster for putting my son in a dark box!
Victoria took a quick step backward toward the fine dining display in the side hall.
She reached for her designer handbag resting near a tray of porcelain dessert plates.
Victoria: You cannot speak to me like that in my own home, Arthur!
Arthur: This house belongs to my family, and your time here is completely over!
Victoria let out a bitter scoff as she gathered her things off the wooden table.
She insisted that she was only trying to enforce strict discipline while he was away on business.
Arthur carried Harrison several steps down the hall, keeping himself between Victoria and the boy.
He set his son gently onto a wide armchair near the living room entrance.
Arthur: Stay right here for one minute while I handle this situation, Harrison.
The child nodded fearfully, wiping his cheeks with his small coat sleeves.
Arthur turned back toward the hallway where Victoria stood waiting defensively by the table.