The bright morning sun shone through the big modern kitchen windows.
A giant American flag hung proudly on the polished white wall.
Little seven-year-old Leo sat at the marble kitchen island in silence.
His new stepmother Brenda poured a dark liquid into a small cup.
Brenda: Take this medicine right now, Leo.
Leo pulled his hands back toward his chest instantly.
Leo: My tummy does not feel sick today, Brenda.
Brenda: It does not matter how your stomach feels.
Leo: Dad said never to take medicine without him.
Brenda set the heavy glass down on the counter with force.
Brenda: Your father is not here to make rules today.
Leo: He told me to always ask him first.
Brenda: You will obey me while he is away.
Leo squeezed his eyes shut as his eyes filled with tears.
Leo: I am waiting for my dad to call.
Brenda stepped closer and leaned over the small young boy.
Brenda: You are taking this liquid before I lose patience.
Leo: Please do not make me drink that stuff.
Brenda: Open your mouth and stop being a baby!
Leo folded his arms tightly and shook his head side to side.
Leo: No, I will not do it!
Brenda slammed her palm on the shiny counter in anger.
Brenda: You are ruining everything I planned for today!
Leo began to cry loudly as he slid off the barstool.
Leo: I want my daddy right now!
Brenda grabbed the small cup and blocked his quick path.
Brenda: Sit back down in that chair this second!
Leo backed up against the cold stainless steel refrigerator wall.
Leo: You are scaring me, Brenda!
Brenda: You will swallow this before your father lands!
Leo put both hands over his face to hide his tears.
Leo: I am telling my dad when he lands!
Brenda pointed a sharp red fingernail right at the boy.
Brenda: If you tell him, things will get much worse.
Leo shook violently as he held his breath in absolute fear.
High up near the kitchen ceiling, a small camera glowed red.
The lens stayed focused on the heated scene below.