The cold sunlight bathed the front porch in bright white illumination.
Mark guided Sarah down the concrete steps toward their parked SUV in the driveway.
Lily stopped crying as the cool air hit her cheeks, looking around curious.
Sarah: I cannot believe she spoke to our baby like that, Mark.
Mark: She will never get another chance to do it ever again.
Sarah: What about your parents? They looked so heartbroken when we left.
Mark: We will invite Mom and Dad to our home where it is safe and quiet.
Mark opened the back door of the vehicle and carefully secured Lily into her car seat.
He clicked the safety harness firmly into place with a crisp sound.
Lily reached out and held Mark's thumb with her little fingers.
Mark: You are safe now, sweetheart, Daddy is right here with you.
Sarah sat in the front passenger seat and wiped her tears with a napkin.
Mark closed the back door and walked around to the driver's side.
Before getting in, he looked back at the house one last time.
Brenda was standing at the front window watching them with her arms folded.
Mark unlocked the SUV, got inside, and started the engine immediately.
The car heater roared to life, filling the vehicle with comforting warmth.
He pulled out of the driveway without turning back to look again.