Clara: He's almost at the bottom! Catch him!
I threw my entire body forward across the slick marble floor, sliding on my knees in a desperate lunge.
Clara: I've got you! I've got you right now!
My arms shot out with every ounce of strength left in my trembling body, reaching up toward the descending carrier.
Clara: Please, please let me reach him in time!
My fingers grazed the sturdy handle just inches above the merciless stone floor as a loud gasp escaped my lips.
Clara: Got him! I've got him!
A heavy thud echoed through the foyer as my knees slammed violently into the marble tiles, absorbing the brutal impact.
Clara: Oh, thank God. Oh, thank sweet Jesus in heaven.
Heavy panting wracked my chest as a tense ambient drone hummed in the background while I pulled the carrier safely against my chest.
Clara: Mommy's here, my sweet boy. Mommy's got you right here.
I dropped fully onto the floor, clutching the grey baby car seat with an iron grip to shield it from any residual danger.
Clara: You're safe now. I promise nobody is ever going to hurt you again.
Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face, mixing with the cold sweat of sheer panic as I unbuckled the safety cover.
Baby Leo: Wah! Wah! Wah!
A piercing, hysterical cry erupted from inside the car seat as my newborn baby woke up in absolute terror.
Clara: Shh, shh, my little angel. Hush now, you're wrapped up safe in your white blanket.
I pressed my face against the mesh opening, rocking the carrier back and forth while sobbing softly.
Clara: Look at you, shaking so much. It's okay, darling. Daddy is going to pay for this.
My entire body shuddered with deep, racking sobs as I buried my face in my hands, weeping openly on the cold floor.
Clara: How could a grandmother do this? How could anyone be so monstrously cruel?
The soft sobbing echoed through the cavernous room as I checked every inch of his tiny body for injuries.
Clara: Thank heavens the blanket cushioned the drop inside that shell. You're whole, my baby.
Footsteps pounded heavily against the outer hallway, signaling that the cavalry was finally rushing toward our rescue.