The tall garage walls bounced the echoing sound of scrubbing across the silent air.
Victoria checked her long manicured nails and glanced at her expensive designer watch.
She had ordered extra custom sports packages for her luxury vehicle earlier that month.
The entire purchase had been charged directly to Mark's primary family business account.
Victoria: Move faster or you will be out here until midnight!
Leo: The soapy water is almost gone from the bucket.
Victoria: Then use your sleeve to wipe down the headlights properly!
Leo shivered slightly under the cool breeze blowing through the cracked side door.
He wiped the dark glass carefully, hoping to satisfy her impossible demands.
Victoria stood up from her leather seat and walked slowly toward the young boy.
She held a set of heavy brass keys tightly between her slender fingers.
Victoria: Look at this microscopic scratch on the front fender!
Leo leaned forward quickly to examine the polished black paint surface.
Leo: That was already there when the transport truck dropped it off last week.
Victoria: Are you calling me a liar in my own house?
Leo: No, I just remember seeing it when the driver unloaded it.
Victoria: You caused this damage with your messy buttons and zippers!
She raised her voice loudly, filling the wide room with harsh accusations.
Leo backed away until his shoulders pressed against the cool garage wall.
He felt completely helpless against her constant anger and unfair false claims.
Victoria raised her hand and pointed a sharp finger directly at the boy's chest.
Victoria: You will work off every single dollar of this repair cost!
Leo: Please, I just want to call my dad on the phone.
Victoria: Your father does not have time for your childish complaints!
She tapped her foot impatiently on the floor, enjoying her full control over him.
Victoria believed that Mark would always choose her side over a young quiet boy.
She had carefully built a sweet and caring image during public family dinners.
Whenever Mark was home, she spoke gently and baked fresh treats for Leo.
However, the moment the front gate closed behind his car, her true character appeared.
Leo looked down at his dirty hands and felt a heavy wave of sadness.
He prayed that his father would notice the strange quietness inside their home soon.