Sarah was pouring warm milk into a glass bottle when a loud gasp echoed through the foyer.
A sudden, sharp cry of pain from her baby pierced the quiet house.
Sarah dropped the bottle onto the granite counter and sprinted back into the main hallway.
Her heart hammered against her ribs as she saw little Leo lying at the base of the stairs.
The baby was on his back, sobbing intensely and wriggling his arms in sheer terror.
Sarah dropped to her knees on the cold hardwood floor beside her crying child.
Her hands trembled violently as she gently checked his arms and legs for any injuries.
Sarah: Shh, Mommy's here! Are you okay, baby?
The infant reached up, crying louder as Sarah lifted him tightly against her chest.
She rocked him frantically, trying to soothe his frantic breathing while checking his small forehead.
High above on the balcony landing, Vanessa stood looking down with a blank expression.
Sarah looked up slowly, tears streaming down her pale cheeks as anger rushed through her veins.
She had seen Vanessa standing at the top of the stairs just moments before the fall.
Down the long hallway, heavy footsteps slammed against the hardwood floor as Mark rushed out of his office.
He skidded into the grand foyer, his eyes widening in shock at the sight of his wife on the floor with their crying baby.
Mark: What happened?! Who did this to my son?!
Sarah pointed an accusing, shaking finger straight toward her sister on the balcony above.
Sarah: She pushed him near the steps! She watched him fall!
Vanessa immediately put her hands up in defense, taking a quick step backward toward the railing.
Vanessa: Don't listen to her! It was a complete accident! I didn't mean to!
Mark's face flushed with deep red fury as he stared up at Vanessa.
He walked rapidly toward the marble staircase, his shoes thundering against the steps as he climbed.
Vanessa: Mark, I swear I was just trying to help him!
Mark reached the top of the stairs in three long strides, cutting off Vanessa's escape path.
He stepped directly into her space, his chest heaving with intense frustration.
Mark: How dare you touch my family in my own house!
Vanessa gasped, backing up until her waist pressed against the sturdy wooden railing.
Mark reached out, grabbing her by the shoulder and shoving her firmly back onto the landing floor.
Vanessa fell onto the polished wood, her emerald satin dress pooling around her as she gasped for air.
Mark leaned over her, pointing his finger down menacingly into her pale face.
Mark: Touch my family again, and you will regret the day you were born!