Victoria walked closer to where the young girl knelt.
Her high heels made sharp noises on the shiny floor.
Lily kept her eyes focused down on the white tiles.
She did not want to make her stepmother angry again.
The large clock on the wall ticked very slowly.
Victoria leaned down to check the surface for dirt.
She pointed a finger at a small water spot near the edge.
She raised her voice to scold the frightened young girl.
Lily pulled her small shoulders tight against her neck.
She wished she could disappear into the background.
Victoria scolded her for being lazy and too slow.
She threatened to lock the child in the dark basement.
Lily cried out loudly for her dad to come save her.
Her voice echoed off the high ceilings of the house.
Victoria snapped back that her father would not care.
She claimed the man was too busy making big money.
That statement broke the small girl's fragile heart.
Lily dropped her cloth onto the wet tiles in defeat.
She buried her sad face inside her red hands.
Victoria stepped back and raised her hand in anger.
She warned the child to quiet down right now.
Suddenly a heavy sound echoed from the front yard.
A fast car slammed its brakes outside the main entrance.
Tires skidded loudly against the long gravel driveway.
Victoria stopped in her tracks and turned her head.
She did not expect anyone back so early today.
The front door handle turned with a loud click.
A strong breeze blew right into the grand hallway.
Lily lifted her teary eyes toward the main entrance.
Help had finally arrived at the big Dallas home.