The bright daylight filtered into the large garage through the open glass panels.
A large United States flag hung proudly on the back wall near the workbench.
Mark looked across the polished concrete floor toward the black luxury SUV.
His heart stopped when he saw tiny Lily kneeling beside the giant tire.
The small toddler wore a light pink dress that was stained with dark grease marks.
She held a yellow sponge in her tiny hands, scrubbing at the rubber tire wall.
Tears rolled down her flushed cheeks as she tried to wipe the mud away.
Standing just a few feet away was Victoria, wearing a bright maroon dress.
Victoria held a ceramic plate stacked with food high above the toddler's head.
Mark stood frozen near the entryway, unable to comprehend the cruel scene before him.
Lily looked up at Victoria with wide, pleading eyes full of tears.
Lily: Please, I'm hungry!
Victoria: Then clean faster.
Mark took a deep breath, his knuckles turning white around his briefcase handle.
Before he could speak, Victoria tipped the plate sharply with her hand.
The food fell to the floor, splashing messily across the smooth concrete.
Small drops spilled over Lily's shoes and the edge of her pink dress.
The ceramic plate shattered into several dull pieces against the hard ground.
Lily flinched at the loud noise and began crying even harder than before.
Lily: Start over!
Victoria crossed her arms and glared down at the frightened child without sympathy.
Mark felt a wave of intense anger wash over his entire body.
He tossed his briefcase onto a nearby shelf and stepped forward rapidly.
His heavy footsteps echoed loudly across the high walls of the garage bay.
Victoria turned around quickly, her face pale with immediate surprise and panic.
She tried to quickly smooth her maroon dress and adjust her posture.
Victoria: Mark! You were not supposed to be home for another three hours!
Mark: What on earth are you doing to my daughter?
Victoria: I was just teaching her responsibility, darling.
Mark: Responsibility? She is three years old!
Mark dropped to his knees right beside the trembling little girl.
He pulled Lily gently into his arms, lifting her off the dirty floor.
Lily wrapped her small arms tightly around his neck, sobbing uncontrollably into his jacket.