Lily lost her footing on the slick polished white marble edge completely.
She screamed loudly as her body tipped over the balcony railing top.
Victoria gasped and took a fast step back in cold sudden shock.
She did not grab the girl's outstretched small hand in time.
Lily fell through the wide open air toward the ground below.
Her terrified scream rang out through the giant open mansion foyer space.
She fell straight past the giant sparkling crystal chandelier hanging above.
Wind swooshed past her face as the white marble floor rushed up.
At that exact second, the heavy front oak doors slammed wide open.
David had returned early from his meeting to grab forgotten contract files.
He heard his daughter's sharp cry ring out from the high ceiling.
He looked up and saw Lily falling from the high second floor.
David dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor without a second thought.
He sprinted across the polished marble floor at his full speed.
His shoes made loud rapid pounding sounds against the floor tile.
He dived forward across the floor beneath the grand center chandelier.
David slid across the smooth marble surface with his arms wide open.
He caught Lily securely mid-air just inches before she hit ground.
He slammed onto the hard marble floor while cradling her safely.
David pulled his small daughter tight against his chest and held on.
He let out a deep, trembling breath of total relief and panic.
Lily sobbed uncontrollably into the collar of his dark suit jacket.
Lily: Daddy, I was so scared, she grabbed my locket!
David: I have got you, baby, you are safe now!
Lily: She tried to take mom's gold necklace away from me!
David: Are you hurt anywhere, sweet girl, tell me quickly!
Lily: My arms hurt a little, but I am okay now.
David checked her small hands and legs with trembling fingers carefully.
Lily was shivering from fear, but she had no broken bones.
David held her firmly in his left arm as he stood up.
His face turned dark with extreme anger and intense protective rage.
He looked up toward the second floor circular landing above them.
Victoria was standing near the white columns, looking down in horror.
She had not expected David to walk through the doors right then.
Her face was pale and her hands were shaking by her side.
David carried his crying daughter securely in his arm as he walked.
He marched rapidly toward the grand light marble staircase right ahead.
His firm footsteps echoed loudly across the tall quiet mansion foyer.
Every step he took up the stairs carried pure, intense anger.
Victoria tried to step back into her room to hide quickly.
David reached the top landing in seconds and stood before her.
The large American flag hung proudly on the wall behind them.
David set Lily down gently behind his back to protect her.