Heavy footsteps echoed from the main hallway as Richard Vance walked into the bright foyer.
He wore a tailored dark suit and carried a glass of iced water in his hand.
Two security guards followed closely behind him, looking alert and serious.
Richard: Matteo! Stop right now!
Richard's authoritative voice bounced off the high marble walls like a sudden clap of thunder.
The young boy flinched nervously at the harsh sound of his uncle's deep voice.
He took a quick step backward, looking around for an easy place to hide.
Richard: This is completely unacceptable behavior!
Richard marched quickly toward the wet scene, his face red with sudden irritation.
Richard: I will not tolerate you attacking the staff in my home!
Elena quickly raised her hand, motioning for the wealthy homeowner to stop his approach.
Elena: Please, Mr. Vance. Allow me to handle this situation myself.
Richard: He just hurt you, Elena. He needs to go straight to his room.
Elena: Sir, with all due respect, sending him away will not fix his pain.
Elena slowly lowered herself onto her knees directly on the wet marble floor.
She brought herself down to the young boy's exact eye level.
Matteo watched her with wide, terrified eyes, bracing himself for a harsh scolding.
Elena looked directly into the boy's tear-filled eyes with immense warmth and patience.
Elena: That hurt... but I am not going to run away from you, Matteo.
The little boy stopped breathing for a second, completely stunned by her soft words.
He had expected shouting, punishment, or an angry slap on his shoulder.
Matteo: You should be mad at me!
Elena: I am not mad at you at all.
Elena gently reached out her hand, keeping it open and still in the space between them.
Elena: You are carrying something very heavy in here, aren't you?
She softly pointed toward the center of his trembling chest.
A fat tear rolled down Matteo's fair cheek, leaving a clean trail through the dust.
Matteo: Nobody wants me here!
Elena: That is not true, Matteo. I am standing right here with you.
The boy's small lip quivered uncontrollably as his defensive wall finally began to crumble.