The baby boy wriggled inside his blue blanket near the smooth wooden edge.
The heavy carrier tipped slightly toward the steep marble steps on the landing.
Elena saw the movement and reacted instantly without thinking about herself.
She sprinted across the wide marble floor with incredible speed and complete focus.
Her soft shoes made almost no sound against the cold white tiles.
Victoria turned around just as the carrier slid off the top step.
She let out a sharp gasp and dropped her expensive silver smartphone.
The carrier tumbled down toward the hard marble floor below the steps.
Elena threw herself forward across the bottom floor with arms outstretched wide.
She caught the heavy carrier securely against her chest right before impact.
She slid along the smooth floor and cradled the crying infant gently.
Her knee slammed against the hard marble step with a loud thud.
The pain shot up her leg, but she held the baby safe.
The infant began crying loudly against Elena's warm white maid apron.
Elena checked the baby quickly to ensure he had zero injuries.
He was completely safe and sound within her protective arms.
She rocked him gently and whispered sweet words to soothe his fear.
Victoria ran down the stairs with her arms swinging wildly in panic.
She looked down at Elena kneeling on the marble floor below.
Instead of showing relief, Victoria's face grew bright red with anger.
She realized that her own careless action had almost caused disaster.
She saw the front door open as Richard stepped into the foyer.
Richard heard the baby crying and rushed into the grand main hallway.
He saw Elena holding his young son on the hard cold floor.
Victoria pointed an accusing finger at Elena with a loud, fake shriek.
Victoria: She was careless with the baby, Richard!
Elena: That is not true, ma'am!
Victoria: She bumped into the carrier on the stairs!
Elena: I caught him when he fell!
Richard: What is going on in my house right now?
Richard walked quickly toward them with a dark and furious expression.
His heavy black boots echoed loudly against the white marble floor.
He looked at Elena like she was a dangerous intruder inside his home.
Elena held the safe infant tightly while trembling on her knees.