The sudden scream echoes through the vast high-ceilinged foyer of the estate.
Clara lost her balance entirely as her heel caught the smooth edge of the step.
Her arms flailed wildly in the air as she began to fall backward.
Mark's heart stopped as he witnessed the terrifying moment unfold before his eyes.
Mark: Clara, look out!
Evelyn stood frozen at the balcony railing above with wide eyes.
Her face went completely drain of color as she watched Clara slip.
The sharp sound of gasping filled the open hallway like thunder.
Mark did not hesitate for even a single fraction of a second.
He lunged forward across the slick hardwood oak floor with maximum speed.
His dress shoes lost traction on the polished surface instantly.
Mark threw his body downward, sliding on his knees across the floor.
The friction burned through his suit pants against the hard wood.
He reached out his strong arms with everything he had in him.
Clara fell toward the hard floor with a terrified look in her eyes.
Mark slid directly beneath her just before she hit the solid ground.
He caught her body firmly against his chest, cushioning her complete fall.
They hit the hardwood together with a loud, heavy impact sound.
The framed USA flag painting hung on the wall directly above them.
Mark held Clara securely in his arms, breathing heavily from adrenaline.
Mark: I've got you!
Mark: I'm right here, you are safe!
Clara clutched her arms tightly around her stomach in pure shock.
Tears began streaming down her pale cheeks in continuous waves.
Clara: Is our baby okay? Please tell me!
Mark: Take a deep breath, honey, I caught you in time.
Clara: I felt so scared, Mark, I thought I was going to lose everything!
Mark held her closer, wiping tears away from her cold cheeks.
Up on the balcony, Evelyn gripped the wrought-iron railing with trembling hands.
Her mouth remained wide open in absolute horror at what had almost occurred.
She pressed one hand against her gasping chest as shock took over.
Evelyn: Oh dear lord... what have I done...
Mark: Stay up there! Do not come near my wife!
Mark looked up at his mother with pure rage burning in his eyes.
The full weight of what she had caused crashed down upon the household.
Evelyn staggered back a step, trembling uncontrollably against the wall.
Evelyn: It was an accident! I didn't mean to make her fall!
Mark: You threatened her and pushed her to the brink of disaster!
Clara: Mark, my stomach feels so tight from the panic...
Mark: I am taking you to the doctor immediately, sweetheart.
Mark reached into his suit jacket and pulled out his phone.
His fingers shook as he tapped the glowing keypad screen quickly.
He dialed three numbers that would change everything for their family.
The phone speaker beeped sharply in the silence of the foyer.
Mark held the device up to his ear while comforting Clara on the floor.
He pointed a sharp finger directly up at Evelyn on the balcony.
Mark: 911? Arrest my mother immediately!
Mark: She threatened my pregnant wife and caused a dangerous situation!
Evelyn: Mark, please! You cannot do this to your own mother!
Mark: You brought this upon yourself, Evelyn!
Mark gave the dispatcher their address in clear, furious tones.
He hung up the phone and wrapped both arms beneath Clara.
He carefully lifted her up from the hardwood oak floor with great care.
Clara buried her face into his shoulder, crying softly in relief.