A thick, harsh mist of defensive spray erupted from the canister with a hiss.
The spray hit Marcus directly across his open eyes and nose in full force.
He stopped dead in his tracks and let out an immediate, agonized roar.
Marcus: My eyes! Argh! It burns so bad!
Chloe: Stay away from her!
Marcus grabbed his face with both hands and dropped down to his knees.
The harsh liquid blinded him completely, making him stumble blindly in circles.
He swung his thick arms wildly in the air, trying to grab anything nearby.
Marcus: I can't see anything! You awful little monster!
Sarah: Get away from him, Chloe! Move back!
Chloe did not run away into the other room like Marcus expected her to do.
Instead, she stepped forward with all her might and kicked his lower leg.
Her sturdy foot connected with his shin, throwing off his remaining balance.
Marcus crashed heavily onto the hard marble floor with a loud, resounding thud.
He groaned in pain as he rolled onto his side, clutching his burning eyes.
Chloe stood tall and firm right in front of her helpless, injured mother.
She pointed her index finger firmly at the fallen intruder on the floor.
Behind her, the bright morning sunlight illuminated the large American flag on the wall.
Chloe: Don't touch my mom ever again!
Sarah: Oh my goodness, Chloe! You saved us, sweetie!
Sarah managed to pull herself up onto her hands and knees despite her pain.
She crawled over to Chloe and wrapped her arms tightly around her small waist.
Both mother and daughter held each other close while watching the defeated intruder.
Marcus continued to blindly kick his feet and rub his red, streaming face.
Marcus: Get me some water! My face is on fire!
Sarah: You brought this entirely on yourself the moment you broke our door.
Chloe: The police are coming right now, mister!
In the distance, the faint sound of approaching police sirens echoed through the neighborhood.
The loud, rhythmic wail grew stronger with every passing second down the street.
Marcus realized his plan had failed completely and tried to crawl toward the door.
However, he was so disoriented from the pepper spray that he bumped into walls.
Sarah kept Chloe safely behind her back as they waited near the kitchen counter.
She felt an overwhelming wave of pride for her child's incredible courage and focus.
A simple safety drill they practiced together had saved their lives today.
Sarah: You were so brave, Chloe. I am so proud of you.
Chloe: I remembered every single step you taught me, Mommy.