The morning sun cut through the tall windows of the Dallas mansion.
White marble floors stretched across the massive open foyer.
Clara adjusted the collar of her plain black maid dress.
She wiped a spot of dust off the polished grand piano.
Her hands were rough from long hours of endless hard work.
She had served the wealthy family for nearly three full years.
Every morning started early before anyone else in the house woke up.
She cleaned the halls and prepared the large master dining room.
Mr. Richard Vance was a powerful man who owned vast land.
He demanded absolute perfection from everyone working on his estate.
His new wife Evelyn was young and always wore expensive velvet dresses.
Evelyn loved the status and money that came with the Vance name.
She rarely paid attention to the staff who kept the home clean.
Clara heard soft footsteps echoed down the wide curved staircase.
She turned her head to see Evelyn holding little baby Leo.
Leo was only six months old and had bright blue eyes.
Clara felt a warm smile touch her face at the sight of the child.
She loved the little boy as if he were her own kin.
Evelyn looked tired and held the baby without much care or warmth.
She lifted the child high into the cool morning air above her head.
The boy giggled softly, unaware of how high up he was raised.
Clara felt a sudden tightness form deep inside her chest.
The marble floor below was hard and completely unforgiving to any fall.
She watched carefully as Evelyn spun around near the slippery edge.
Evelyn laughed out loud, but her eyes looked cold and distant.
Clara stepped forward just in case the mother lost her footing.
She knew that one small mistake could lead to total tragedy.
The mansion was quiet except for the ticking of the grandfather clock.
Clara kept her eyes locked on the tiny bundle in the blue light.
She prayed that Evelyn would bring the child safely back down.
The air felt heavy as a strange silence filled the wide room.