Mark stood near the arched doorway of his grand foyer.
The afternoon sun spilled warm light across the checkered marble floor.
He heard a faint rustling noise near the main staircase.
Mark turned his head quickly toward the sound.
His young daughter Emily was crawling painfully across the hard tile.
Her left leg was wrapped tightly in a thick white fiberglass cast.
Strapped securely to her small back was her baby brother, Leo.
Emily was sobbing hysterically as her elbows dragged her forward.
Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks, leaving wet streaks on her dress.
Mark dropped his leather briefcase immediately onto the ground.
He sprinted down the long hallway toward his struggling children.
"Emily!" Mark yelled in pure panic as he approached her.
He dropped to his knees right beside the sobbing young girl.
Carefully, Mark unbuckled the sling holding the infant to her back.
He pulled little Leo into his strong arms and held him tight.
The baby whined softly but seemed completely uninjured and calm.
Mark looked down at his daughter with deep concern in his eyes.
"I am here now," Mark whispered softly to her.
"What happened to you? Why were you crawling like this?"
Emily wiped her face with her tiny, dirt-stained hand.
"I tried to keep him safe, Daddy!" she cried out wildly.
Mark stared at her with a bewildered and tense expression.
"Safe from what?" he asked, feeling a cold chill run down his spine.
"Mommy said we had to stay quiet!" Emily gasped in terror.
Mark gasped as his mind raced to comprehend her frantic words.
He looked toward the far end of the long white corridor.
His wife Victoria stood near the entryway in a dark red dress.
Her hands were trembling as she held a thick leather folder.
Mark stood up slowly while holding the baby close to his chest.
He glared at Victoria, demanding immediate answers about the scene before him.