Eleanor pointed a long manicured finger directly toward the lower floor of the mansion.
She snapped bitterly at the young girl while stepping closer to corner her against the iron bar.
Maya began crying hysterically, backing away until her heel touched the base of the railing.
Arthur ran toward the foot of the grand staircase, calling out for his daughter to stay calm.
Before he could reach the middle step, Eleanor reached out and harshly grabbed Maya's arm.
She pulled the frightened child toward the balcony edge to push her completely out of the upper hallway.
Maya lost her footing on the slick marble and tipped clear over the curved iron barrier.
A sharp scream pierced the quiet air of the mansion as the young girl plunged downward.
Arthur did not hesitate for a single second as he saw his world falling from the balcony.
He sprinted across the polished white floor with maximum speed, stretching his long arms out wide.
The air rushed past him as he threw his entire body forward onto the hard stone surface.
He slid dramatically across the smooth floor directly beneath the open balcony space.
Arthur caught Maya securely against his chest just inches before she struck the solid ground.
The force of the sudden catch knocked the breath straight out of his lungs.
They slid together across the marble floor until coming to a complete stop near the entrance door.
One of Maya's tiny golden shoes slipped off her foot during the drop, bouncing down the steps.
It rattled softly across the white tiles before rolling to a stop beside a wooden chair.
Maya sobbed violently, clutching Arthur’s jacket tightly while burying her tear-stained face in his neck.
Arthur held his child in a protective hug, his heart pounding like a hammer against his ribs.
He ran his hand over her soft hair, making sure she had no broken bones or injuries.
Maya whispered between her heavy sobs that Eleanor said Grandpa had ordered her to clear the house.
Arthur felt a wave of burning anger rise up from deep within his chest at her words.