Sarah adjusted the small diaper bag on her shoulder as she stood on the front porch.
The sun reflected brightly off the high glass windows of the grand suburban mansion.
Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to knock on the heavy wooden door.
She always felt a knot in her stomach whenever she had to visit her father's house.
Her father Victor had married Evelyn two years ago after a very short romance.
Evelyn was a wealthy socialite who always demanded complete perfection from everyone around her.
Sarah had tried her best to build a peaceful relationship with her new stepmother.
Yet every interaction felt cold, distant, and filled with silent judgment.
The heavy front door swung open with a soft click.
Evelyn stood in the entry hall wearing an elegant royal blue designer dress.
Evelyn: You are five minutes late, Sarah.
Sarah: Traffic on the highway was terrible, Evelyn.
Sarah stepped inside the marble foyer while holding her ten-month-old baby boy, Leo.
Leo giggled softly and reached his tiny hands toward his mother's shiny silver necklace.
Evelyn: Please make sure he does not drool on the new light wooden floors.
Sarah: He is just a baby, Evelyn.
Evelyn: This house requires absolute care and discipline at all times.
Sarah swallowed her anger and hugged her son a little bit tighter.
She had an important job interview downtown that could secure her child's financial future.
Her trust fund had been locked until she turned twenty-five years old.
She desperately needed this local job to pay her high apartment rent without asking for help.
Victor walked down the open staircase dressed in his usual expensive gray business suit.
He smiled softly when he saw his young daughter and his baby grandson.
Victor: Good morning, sweetheart.
Sarah: Hi Dad, thanks for letting me drop Leo off for a few hours.
Victor: It is always a pleasure to spend time with my grandson.
Evelyn cleared her throat loudly and pointed at her expensive wristwatch.
Evelyn: Victor, you have that crucial board meeting at the real estate firm in twenty minutes.
Victor: Right, I almost forgot about the new high-rise development presentation.
Victor leaned in to kiss Sarah on the cheek and gently patted Leo's small head.
Victor: I will see you both right after lunch.
Sarah watched her father walk out the front door toward his luxury car.
An uncomfortable silence filled the large open living room almost instantly.
Evelyn crossed her arms and stared at Sarah with cold, distant eyes.
Evelyn: You should leave now so you are not late for your interview.
Sarah: Are you sure you can watch Leo alone until Dad gets back?
Evelyn: I am more than capable of managing a simple child for two short hours.
Sarah felt a sudden chill run straight down her spine.
She handed Leo's favorite stuffed animal to Evelyn with hesitant fingers.
Leo began to whimper softly as Sarah walked toward the heavy front door.
Sarah: I will be back as fast as I can, Leo.
She stepped outside into the bright morning sunlight with a heavy, restless heart.