The bright sun shone through the tall glass windows of the grand entrance hall.
Sarah held her heavy broom tightly while polishing the clean white marble floor.
She had worked for the rich family for nearly three full years now.
Every morning began with the same silent routine across the massive estate.
She wiped down the long mahogany tables inside the dining room corridor.
She organized the quiet sitting rooms before anyone else woke up inside.
Arthur Miller was a busy man who owned a major shipping firm downtown.
His young wife Elena spent most of her long afternoons shopping in luxury stores.
Sarah always tried her best to stay out of Elena's chaotic path.
Elena was known for losing her quick temper over very small household details.
A tiny spot of dust on a frame could cause a loud argument.
Sarah heard quick steps moving across the high balcony above the grand foyer.
She looked up and saw Elena standing near the heavy wooden railing above.
Elena was holding a large antique wooden box decorated with gold metal trim.
That special box belonged to Arthur's late mother for over forty long years.
It usually sat safely inside the dark study on the top floor level.
Sarah paused her work and watched with a sudden feeling of deep worry.
Elena's face looked pale and angry as she pushed the heavy box forward.
The old wooden chest slid right over the smooth top edge of the railing.
It tipped downward and fell rapidly toward the hard stone floor below.
Sarah dropped her broom instantly and sprinted across the smooth white marble.
She dove across the wide hall with both of her hands outstretched wildly.
Her knees hit the hard floor sliding fast right underneath the falling object.
She caught the heavy wooden chest just inches above the polished stone floor.
The sudden weight knocked the air straight out of her tight lungs.
Sarah panted heavily as she checked the fragile golden hinges for damages.
She heard the front doors open with a loud thud across the hall.
Arthur walked into the warm foyer wearing his dark tailored navy business suit.
He stopped immediately when he saw Sarah sitting on the hard marble floor.
His face twisted into utter confusion as he looked around the huge foyer.
Arthur: What on earth is happening inside my house right now?
Sarah caught her quick breath and looked toward the tall front doorway.
Sarah: Sir, please listen to me before you get angry at anyone!
Elena shouted loudly from the high balcony standing above the wide room.
Elena: Do not listen to a single word that house maid tells you!
Arthur glared up at the balcony with a dark and questioning look.
Arthur: Did you just drop my mother's chest over that high ledge?
Elena: She grabbed it from your private study without asking any permission!
Sarah shook her head quickly while holding the box in her lap.
Sarah: I was cleaning the main floor when she pushed it over!
Arthur took three long steps toward the wide curved staircase in anger.
Arthur: Both of you need to stop shouting across my front entrance.
He marched up the carpeted steps with a stern and cold face.
Elena stepped back slightly as her husband reached the upper balcony landing.
Arthur: Why was this valuable antique box anywhere near the upper balcony?
Elena: I caught her trying to take expensive things out to her car!
Sarah stood up quickly from the marble floor near the front doors.
Sarah: I have never taken a single item from this home, sir!
Arthur looked back and forth between his wife and the loyal maid.
Arthur: We are going into the study to settle this matter right now.