By late afternoon, dark rain clouds gathered across the sky outside the high leaded glass foyer windows.
Young Leo finished his reading lessons and walked out into the upper landing looking for his favorite toy.
Elena stepped out from the library wearing her sparkling sapphire-blue gown and holding a silver tray.
She called out to the young boy with a sharp, sugary voice that sounded completely forced and fake.
Elena: Leo dear, come over to the top landing to see the new toy I bought for you!
Leo: Is it a new red race car like the one Daddy promised me yesterday?
Elena: Step right up to the banister edge and look down into the lower grand entrance hall!
Leo skipped happily across the carpeted landing toward the dangerously sabotaged marble staircase handrail section.
Sarah was walking out of the nearby linen room when she saw the innocent boy reaching out blindly.
Her heart pounded frantically against her ribs as she realized the imminent danger facing the small child.
Sarah: Leo, stop right where you are and do not touch that banister railing!
Leo paused in confusion just as Elena gave his small shoulder a sudden, cruel shove forward.
Elena: Accidents happen so easily in big luxury mansions like this one!
Leo: Help me, please, Sarah!
Leo lost his balance on the slick marble edge and gasped as his feet slipped off the top step.
Sarah sprinted across the polished floor with incredible speed, throwing her body forward without hesitation or fear.
She reached the top steps just in time, lunging forward to wrap her arms around Leo's waist.
She pulled the crying boy backward onto the carpeted hallway landing, saving him from a terrible fall.
Sarah: I've got you, sweetheart, you are completely safe now!
Elena: You foolish maid, how dare you interfere with what was supposed to happen!
Sarah: You tried to push an innocent child down these stairs to steal his father's estate!
Elena: Nobody will ever believe your ridiculous lies over the future lady of this grand house!
Sarah gathered the weeping boy into her arms and stood up to face the dangerous, selfish woman.