David: Call nine-one-one right now, Clara!
Clara: My hands are shaking so bad, David. Let me get my phone from upstairs.
David: Use the landline on the hall table! Do it now!
Clara: Okay, okay! I'm dialing! I'm so sorry this happened!
David gently laid Maya down on the soft throw rug near the entryway, taking off his suit jacket to bundle it underneath her head.
David: Look at me, Maya. Keep your eyes on Daddy. Where does it hurt the most?
Maya: My arm... and my back, Daddy. It feels like fire.
David: The ambulance is coming, baby. You're going to be okay. I promise you.
Maya: She pushed me, Daddy. She really did.
David: Don't worry about anything right now. Just breathe through the pain.
Clara: The operator is on the line, David! They said the paramedics are four minutes away!
David: Good. Now step back from us.
Clara: David, please, look at me. Why are you staring at me like that?
David: Because my daughter just fell fifteen feet off the second-floor balcony, Clara.
Clara: And I am just as heartbroken as you are! I love Maya like my own child!
Maya: You don't love me... you said you wished I was gone...
Clara: She's delirious from the pain, David! You can't listen to what a frightened child says in a moment like this!
David: Maya doesn't lie to me, Clara. She has never lied to me in her life.
Clara: So you're taking her word over mine? After everything we've built in this house?
David: I'm not taking anyone's word yet. I'm going to get my daughter to the hospital.
Clara: I'll come with you in the ambulance!
David: No, you won't. You're staying right here until I find out what really happened up on that landing.
Clara: You can't leave me here alone like I'm a criminal!
David: Watch me.
The distant sound of sirens began to echo down the suburban street, growing louder with every passing second.
David: They're here. Get out of the way of the front door.
Clara: David, please...
David: Move, Clara!
The front doors swung open as two paramedics rushed inside carrying a stretcher and emergency medical gear. David knelt close to Maya's face, holding her hand tightly as the medical team began their assessment.
Paramedic: Sir, we need room to evaluate the spinal alignment. Please hold her head still.
David: I've got her. Take care of her, please.
Paramedic: Little girl, can you tell me your name?
Maya: Maya... my name is Maya...
Paramedic: You're doing great, Maya. We're going to give you something for the pain and get you to the trauma center.
Clara: Is she going to be alright, officer—I mean, paramedic?
Paramedic: We won't know the extent of the internal injuries until we get full X-rays at the hospital, ma'am.
David: I'm riding in the back with her.
Paramedic: Yes, sir. Let's lift her carefully on three.
As the paramedics secured Maya to the backboard, Clara reached out toward David's sleeve, but he pulled away instantly.
David: Do not touch me.
Clara: I only wanted to give you her insurance card!
David: It's already in my wallet. Stay in this house. Don't touch a single thing on that upper balcony until I get back.
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