The summer heat made the white marble foyer very warm.
David stayed in his home office during the long morning hours.
He worked on an important merger for his investment firm.
His phone rang twice with calls from his chief divorce lawyer.
The lawyer wanted to review the new prenuptial agreement copies.
David intended to add Evelyn to his life insurance policy today.
He walked down the hallway to find his fountain pen.
He saw Lily playing near the grand central staircase alone.
Lily wore a bright yellow dress that her grandmother bought her.
She hummed a small tune while playing with a wooden doll.
David smiled softly as he watched his little daughter play.
Then he heard loud footsteps echoing down the upper hallway.
Evelyn walked out onto the second-floor balcony above the foyer.
She wore a bright silk teal blouse with a formal bow tie.
Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight smooth bun.
She looked down at Lily with a very harsh expression.
She did not see David standing under the door frame below.
Evelyn: Why are you making so much noise down there?
Lily: I am just playing with my doll, Evelyn.
Evelyn: You are always in the way of my quiet time.
Lily pulled her doll close to her chest and stepped back.
David felt a sudden spike of worry in his chest.
He stepped out toward the main foyer marble floor softly.
Evelyn walked down three steps to reach the landing rail.
She grabbed Lily by her small shoulder very firmly.
Evelyn: You don't belong here!
Lily gasped and tried to pull her arm away fast.
The little girl lost her balance on the smooth marble step.
David's heart stopped as he saw his child start falling.
A loud high-pitched cry rang through the high ceilings instantly.
The grand American flag hung straight down beside the open stairs.
Lily tumbled past the wide top rail into open air.
David did not waste a single second thinking about danger.