An hour passed as Evelyn packed her belongings inside her room.
Mark sat Sarah down safely on the comfortable living room couch.
He brought her a glass of cold water and held her hand.
Little Leo was now sleeping peacefully inside his wooden crib.
Mark: Has she always been this aggressive toward you, Sarah?
Sarah looked down at her hands and sighed very softly.
Sarah: She has been making mean comments since we got married.
Mark: Why did you never tell me about this before today?
Sarah: I did not want to ruin your relationship with her.
Mark felt a wave of deep guilt wash over his heart.
He realized he had been blind to his mother's bad behavior.
Evelyn walked out into the living room rolling a heavy suitcase.
She looked at both of them with cold, bitter judgment still.
Evelyn: I hope you are happy with what you have done.
Mark stood up off the couch and faced his mother directly.
Mark: You brought this on yourself by acting so cruel today.
Evelyn: I was only trying to teach her how to manage.
Mark: Screaming and cornering her is not teaching anyone anything!
Evelyn paused near the front door, holding her purse tightly.
Evelyn: I am your mother and I deserve your respect always!
Mark: Respect is earned through love, not through fear and threats!
Evelyn opened her mouth to argue, but stopped herself abruptly.
She saw the firm resolve in her son's strong posture.
She knew she had lost this battle completely today.
Evelyn: Fine, do not call me when things fall apart!
Mark: Goodbye, mother, take care of yourself out there.
Evelyn opened the front door and walked out into daylight.
The heavy oak door clicked shut firmly behind her back.
A sudden sense of peace washed over the quiet house.
Sarah let out a long breath she had been holding in.
Mark walked back over and sat beside his precious wife.
He reached out and gently brushed a hair from her face.
Mark: She will not be coming back here ever again, Sarah.
Sarah: I am just glad our baby is safe and sound.