The dark tension in the room hung heavy like a thick black cloud.
Brenda gasped wildly, clutching her wrist while glaring at her younger brother.
Brenda: You dare put your hands on me to protect this woman?
Mark: I protected my family from an unhinged person who terrorized a baby!
Mark walked straight over to the wooden hallway where Brenda's coat lay.
He snatched up her dark heavy coat and swept her purse off table.
He threw open the front door, letting the icy winter air rush inside.
Mark: Get out of my house right now and do not ever return!
Brenda: It is Christmas night and freezing cold outside on the streets!
Mark: You should have thought about that before attacking my infant daughter!
Brenda stood completely frozen in place, unable to believe her brother's strength.
She looked over at Megan, hoping to find a hint of soft pity.
However, Megan met her cold gaze with a quiet and unyielding glare.
Megan: You are not welcome in our home ever again, Brenda.
Brenda snatched her coat from Mark's hands with a vicious sharp yank.
She shoved her arms violently into the coat sleeves and grabbed her purse.
Brenda: You will both be completely sorry for treating me like this!
Mark: Leave right now before I call the police for home trespassing!
Brenda stomped her heavy boots across the hardwood floor toward the open door.
She stepped out into the freezing snow and spun around one last time.
Mark slammed the heavy front door shut right in her furious bitter face.
The loud click of the deadbolt lock echoed clearly through the quiet house.
Mark leaned his back against the solid door and let out a deep breath.
He walked quickly back into the dining room toward his courageous wife.
Megan looked up at him, her heart filled with gratitude and deep relief.
Mark: Are you and Lily going to be okay now, my love?
Megan: We are safe now because you stood up for us today.
Lily let out a quiet little sigh and rested her head on Megan.
The scary moment had finally passed, leaving peace inside their warm home.