Julian sat quietly in his mechanical wheelchair near the edge of the clear blue swimming pool.
The afternoon sun was beaming down on the vast green lawn of his family mansion.
He breathed in the warm air and tried to calm his rising anxiety.
Ever since the car accident two years ago, Julian felt completely helpless in this giant house.
His wealthy father had built this estate as a safe haven for his family.
Yet lately, every quiet corner of the property felt filled with hidden danger.
Julian moved his fingers slightly over the control panel on his armrest.
He heard soft footsteps clicking across the stone tiles behind him.
It was Evelyn, his young stepmother, wearing her favorite bright blue designer outfit.
She had married his father three years ago and took over management of the household.
Julian never quite trusted her overly sweet tone or her sudden affection.
Evelyn: You look so peaceful today, Julian.
Julian did not turn his head to look at her.
Julian: I just wanted some fresh air before my father comes home.
Evelyn: Your father is busy at the corporate office signing important papers.
Julian: He said he would be back early today.
Evelyn: Plans change when real business matters come up, my dear.
Evelyn stepped closer until her shadow blocked the bright sunlight over Julian.
Julian felt a cold shiver run down his spine despite the warm weather.
He looked down at the deep end of the pool shimmering just inches away.
Without his leg strength, the water was his absolute biggest fear.
Evelyn leaned down close to his ear with a tight smile.
Evelyn: It is such a shame about your disability, Julian.
Julian: Why are you standing so close to me?
Evelyn: I just want what is best for this estate.
Before Julian could answer, he felt a sudden hard push against the heavy wheelchair backrest.
The heavy metal wheels skidded over the slick wet tiles instantly.
Julian gasped out loud and grabbed the armrests as hard as he could.
The chair tipped forward over the concrete lip without stopping.
Julian plummeted straight into the deep water with a massive violent splash.
Cold water rushed into his mouth and nose immediately upon impact.
The heavy frame of the wheelchair dragged him down toward the pool bottom.
He kicked his arms frantically while bubbles burst all around his face.
Above the churning surface, he could see the blurry blue outline of Evelyn standing still.
She was not calling for help or reaching out her hand.
She just watched him sink deeper into the freezing blue pool.
Julian fought against the heavy metal straps holding his lap down tight.
His lungs burned for oxygen as panic completely filled his mind.
He knew he only had seconds before he lost consciousness underwater.
Suddenly, another splash echoed through the dark aquatic silence above him.