Mark pulled his dark sedan into the long concrete driveway of his suburban home.
The afternoon sun lit up the front porch with a bright yellow glow.
He had spent the last three weeks working long hours across the country.
His phone rested silently in the center console of his car.
Mark stepped out into the warm afternoon air with a heavy black suitcase in hand.
He missed his five-year-old daughter Lily more than anything else in the world.
His new wife Victoria was supposed to be looking after the small child while he worked.
They had been married for less than six months after a quick summer romance.
Mark unlocked the main entrance door and pulled his heavy suitcase past the threshold.
The quiet house smelled like fresh citrus cleaner and faint flowers.
He walked silently across the hardwood foyer toward the bright kitchen in the back.
A harsh voice suddenly cut through the peaceful silence of the hallway.
Mark stopped in his tracks near the edge of the large marble doorway.
Victoria: Move faster right now!
Mark stepped around the corner and felt his blood run cold instantly.
Victoria stood over little Lily near the polished white marble counter.
She held a thick wooden cutting board tightly above the little girl's small hand.
Lily was trembling on top of a wooden kitchen stool in her blue nightgown.
Tears were already streaming down the little girl's pale cheeks.
Father: Hey! Victoria!
Victoria dropped the wooden board onto the white marble counter with a loud thud.
She turned her head quickly with a look of pure shock on her face.
Lily turned around and gasped when she saw her father standing nearby.
Little Girl: Daddy!
The little girl jumped off the high wooden stool without hesitation.
Her tiny bare feet slapped against the cold marble floor as she ran.
Mark dropped his heavy black suitcase right where he stood.
He lowered himself down to one knee with open arms ready.
Lily threw her arms tightly around his neck and began to sob loudly.
Mark pulled her close against his chest and held her tight.