The silence in the room was heavy and suffocating.
Mark stood tall, his hands clenched tightly into trembling fists.
Sarah stepped back into the corner, rocking the weeping baby softy.
Sarah: She wanted to hurt her, Mark.
Evelyn: Shut your mouth, Sarah!
Mark: Do not speak to my wife like that!
Evelyn: She is turning you against your own mother!
Mark: You put a newborn inside an appliance!
Evelyn: It was not turned on! I was just teaching her a lesson!
Mark gasped as the shocking truth finally registered in his mind.
He backed away from Evelyn as if she were a total stranger.
Mark: A lesson? She is three weeks old!
Evelyn: This girl is unfit to raise your child, Mark.
Evelyn: I raised you alone, and I know what is best!
Mark: You are sick, Mom. You need serious help.
Evelyn reached out to touch Mark's arm, but he pulled away.
His eyes were filled with deep hurt and overwhelming disappointment.
Mark: Get your hands off me.
Evelyn: You would choose her over your own blood?
Mark: I am choosing my daughter and my wife.
Sarah felt tears of relief spill over her pale cheeks.
She pulled Lily closer, feeling the baby's breath against her neck.
Evelyn's composure began to crumble into sharp bitterness.
Evelyn: After everything I sacrificed for you!
Mark: You crossed a line that can never be uncrossed.
Evelyn: You will regret this day, Mark!
Mark: The only thing I regret is letting you into this home.
Mark pointed a firm finger toward the front entry hallway.
His posture left no room for argument or negotiation.
Mark: Pack your bags and leave right now.
Evelyn glared at Sarah with pure hatred in her eyes.
The battle inside the small house was far from over.