Clara shifted her weight on the polished wooden step.
Her high heel flicked forward against Leo's small foot.
The little boy lost his balance on the edge.
He tipped forward with a sharp cry of surprise.
The heavy plastic laundry basket dropped from Sarah's hands.
It hit the floor with a loud wooden thud.
Folded clothes scattered across the clean carpeted floor.
Sarah screamed her son's name at the top voice.
She rushed forward on her knees across the floor.
Leo tumbled down three wooden steps to the landing.
His loud crying echoed through the bright front house.
Sarah scooped the toddler into her protective arms quickly.
She held his trembling body close against her chest.
Her own tears began falling down her warm cheeks.
She checked his arms and legs for any injuries.
Leo whimpered softly while hiding inside her blue shirt.
Clara stood at the top of the white stairs.
She folded her arms without any concern or panic.
Her face remained completely calm and stone cold still.
Clara: He took a tumble because he is clumsy.
Sarah: I saw you shove him with your foot!
Sarah looked up at the woman with total fury.
Her voice trembled with deep anger and motherly pain.
Clara smiled faintly without showing any regret at all.