Paramedic: Clear the doorway! We have the stretcher coming in!
Two paramedics rushed through the entrance with a orange stretcher, kneeling beside Eleanor on the cold floor.
Paramedic: Ma'am, can you tell me your name? We need to check your vitals.
Mother: Eleanor Vance... my daughter... is my daughter okay?
Paramedic: Your daughter is completely fine, ma'am. Her heart rate is fast, but she's unhurt. You're the one who needs severe medical attention.
Lily: Can I ride in the ambulance with my mommy?
Paramedic: You sure can, little hero. If you hadn't broken that padlock, we might have been too late.
Lily: I used the big heavy hammer! I smashed it real hard!
Mother: She's my brave little girl... my sweet baby...
The paramedics carefully lifted Eleanor onto the soft white stretcher, wrapping a warm fleece blanket around her shoulders.
Butler: Mrs. Eleanor, I will secure the entire mansion, change all the lock codes, and meet you at the city hospital within the hour.
Mother: Thank you, Arthur... and thank you, Mary... you saved my life today...
Maid: You don't need to thank us, ma'am. We are just glad you are safe.
Police Officer: We have secured the trapdoor as a primary crime scene, Mrs. Vance. Detectives are on their way to photograph the cellar and collect the physical evidence.
Mother: Make sure... make sure you take that red dress woman's things out of my house...
Police Officer: Everything belonging to her is being seized as proceeds of crime. She won't ever set foot on this property again.
Lily held her mother's weak hand tightly as the paramedics wheeled the stretcher out toward the front driveway.
The warm afternoon sun shone down through the massive glass front doors, illuminating the white marble foyer that was finally free of secrets.
The dark trapdoor in the middle of the room lay open, empty and quiet under the bright light.
Eleanor looked back one last time at the grand staircase, squeezing her daughter's small hand with all the strength she had left.
Mother: We are going home now, Lily. Real home.
Lily: I love you, Mommy.
Mother: I love you too, my sweet girl.