Evelyn raised the baby even higher above the hard checkered floor.
Her grip suddenly loosened as she pretended to lose her footing.
The baby slipped straight out of her careless hands into midair.
Clara did not hesitate for a single second when she saw it happen.
She dropped her cleaning rag and dove across the polished white floor.
Her knees scraped hard against the smooth marble as she slid forward.
The tiny boy dropped fast toward the solid stone surface below.
Clara stretched out her arms as far as they could possibly reach.
She caught the baby inches before his head made terrible contact.
The soft fabric of her apron cushioned the sudden heavy impact.
Clara pulled the crying baby tight against her warm chest.
Tears burst from her eyes as her entire body trembled with fear.
She sat on the cold floor and held the child closely.
The baby cried loudly, startled by the quick and sudden drop.
Evelyn stood above them with a cold look upon her pale face.
She did not look shocked or scared by what had just happened.
Clara looked up at her mistress with wild and angry eyes.
She could not hide the deep horror rising in her soul.
Maid: What is wrong with you?!
Maid: You could have killed him!
Clara hugged the sobbing infant while her voice shook with rage.
Evelyn folded her arms and looked down with complete contempt.
Evelyn: Watch your tongue around me, you foolish girl.
Maid: You dropped him on purpose!
Evelyn raised her chin and sneered at the terrified maid below.
Evelyn: Nobody will ever believe a word from a poor servant.
Clara held the baby tighter as her heart pounded in her chest.
She knew right then that Evelyn was a dangerous woman.
The sound of heavy brass locks turning broke the intense quiet.
The double front doors were pushed open from the outside.
Footsteps clicked firmly against the stone as someone walked inside.