Mark stood inside the grand foyer of his family estate.
The bright marble floors reflected the morning light.
A massive American flag hung quietly on the tall plaster wall.
Everything looked perfect from the outside world.
Yet a cold feeling filled Mark's chest as he called out.
He was looking for his quiet wife, Sarah.
She had been missing for over three full days now.
Mark's wealthy mother, Eleanor, walked down the curved staircase.
She wore an expensive coat and held a silver tea glass.
Eleanor: Stop yelling in my house, Mark.
Mark: Where is my wife, Mother?
Eleanor: Sarah packed her bags and left you three mornings ago.
Mark: She would never leave our young daughter like that.
Eleanor: She was foolish and ungrateful for our help.
Mark took a deep breath to calm his shaking hands.
He knew his mother had never liked Sarah's humble background.
Sarah grew up in a small town with very little money.
Eleanor wanted Mark to marry a rich family friend instead.
Mark loved his wife deeply despite his mother's endless complaints.
He walked toward the large kitchen to check the back porch.
His little seven-year-old daughter, Lily, suddenly ran out from the hallway.
Lily wore a bright yellow dress and red sneakers.
Her long hair was messy and her face was wet with tears.
She clutched Mark's coat with her small, trembling fingers.
Lily: Daddy, you have to help right now!
Mark: What is wrong, sweetie?
Lily: Mommy did not leave us at all!
Mark: What are you talking about, Lily?
Lily: It is down here in the cold basement!
Lily: Mommy is inside the dark room!
Mark felt his heart drop straight into his stomach.
He turned his head to look at his mother instantly.
Eleanor's face lost all of its natural pink color.
Eleanor: The child is just making up silly bad dreams.
Mark: Get out of my way right now, Mother.