The bright morning sun streamed into the large kitchen through the pristine glass windows.
Victoria adjusted her expensive gold watch while checking her reflection in the microwave door.
She took pride in keeping the family mansion looking absolutely flawless at all times.
Seven-year-old Lily sat quietly at the marble island while drinking her glass of orange juice.
The young girl reached across the high counter to grab her favorite coloring book.
Her small hand caught the edge of a heavy antique clock resting near the counter edge.
The brass clock fell onto the hard oak floor with a sudden and loud crash.
Victoria: Look at what you just did, you careless little brat!
Lily: I am so sorry, Aunt Victoria, it slipped!
Victoria: That clock belonged to your late mother and you ruined it!
Victoria marched across the polished floor with her face red with sudden fury.
She picked up a heavy wooden ruler that was sitting on the mail desk.
Victoria: You need to learn a lesson about respecting valuable things right now!
Lily: Please do not yell at me, I was just reaching for my book!
Sarah rushed out of the nearby pantry when she heard the furious shouting.
Sarah: Stop right there, Victoria, do not go near her!
Sarah placed her own body firmly between the angry stepmother and the frightened child.
Victoria: Get out of my way before I fire you on the spot!
Sarah: You can fire me, but you will not scare this little girl today!
Victoria pointed her finger toward the front door while trembling with extreme anger.
Victoria: Pack your bags and leave this property immediately, you worthless housekeeper!
Sarah: I am taking Lily to her father's downtown office right now.
Victoria: She stays right here until her father returns home tonight!
Sarah: No, she is not safe in this house with you anymore.
Sarah took Lily's cold little hand and guided her quickly toward the side exit.
Victoria stood in the kitchen while screaming empty threats at the top of her lungs.
The warm summer air hit Sarah's face as they reached the long driveway outside.
Lily wiped away her soft tears using the sleeve of her bright yellow dress.
Lily: Is daddy going to be mad at me for breaking the clock?
Sarah: Your daddy loves you more than anything in this whole world, sweetheart.
Lily: Why does Aunt Victoria hate me so much, Sarah?
Sarah: She does not hate you, she just does not understand your good heart.
They walked down the suburban sidewalk toward the nearest city bus stop.
Sarah knew that confronting the girl's father would change everything in this home forever.
Leave a Comment