Arthur pulled his luxury car into the long paved driveway of his mansion.
The sun was shining brightly across the manicured green lawn.
He carried his leather briefcase in one hand after a long day at the office.
He expected a quiet evening with his young daughter, Lily.
Instead, a cold feeling of dread filled his chest as he approached the front door.
The large front doors were unlocked and resting slightly open.
Arthur pushed the door open and stepped onto the polished white marble floor.
A sudden gasp echoed from the grand staircase above.
Arthur looked up just in time to see a flash of pink ruffles.
His heart slammed against his ribs as he heard a tumbling sound on the carpet.
Little Lily slipped down the bottom steps and landed on the cold marble floor.
She began whimpering softly as she crawled toward the front entryway.
At the top of the stairs stood Victoria, wearing her green silk blouse.
Her face looked pale, but her eyes held a strange and cold glare.
Arthur dropped his heavy briefcase onto the floor instantly.
He ran forward and fell to his knees beside his small child.
He scooped Lily carefully into his arms to inspect her for injuries.
Arthur: Lily! Are you alright, sweetheart?
Lily: Daddy, my leg hurts so bad!
Arthur checked her tiny knees and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
He looked up toward the top of the staircase with burning anger.
Victoria stood holding the wooden banister, her knuckles turning completely white.
She did not move down the stairs to help the crying child.
Arthur: How could you just stand there while she tumbled down?
Victoria: She was careless, Arthur.
Victoria: Kids fall down all the time in big houses.
Arthur held his daughter tighter against his chest to soothe her shaking shoulders.
He noticed that Victoria was holding a ring of small brass keys.
She looked strangely nervous for someone who claimed nothing was wrong.
Arthur stood up slowly while holding Lily securely in his right arm.
The silent foyer felt heavy with tension between the two adults.
Something felt terribly wrong in the house he called home.