Richard drove through the gates of the large estate with a heavy heart.
He knew his marriage with Elena had been falling apart for several months.
The air inside the grand house always felt tense and full of silent anger.
He parked his dark sedan near the bright stone steps of the front entrance.
A sudden feeling of deep worry made him hurry toward the tall front doors.
He stepped into the white mansion foyer where light poured across the marble floors.
The silence of the large home was broken by a soft sound echoing from above.
He looked up toward the second level staircase railing near the grand wall.
His heart stopped when he saw his young daughter crying near the balcony edge.
Elena was standing right behind the child with a strange look on her face.
Richard: What are you doing up there?
Elena started violently as if she had not heard him enter the main hall.
Elena: Richard, you were not supposed to be home until late this evening!
Richard: Step back from that railing right now!
The toddler tottered unsteadily on her small feet near the polished wooden edge.
Richard dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and broke into a fast sprint.
His shoes squeaked loudly against the smooth white marble as he surged forward frantically.
The security guards standing near the back doors turned in sudden shock and confusion.
The little girl lost her footing and slipped through the wide decorative balcony opening.
A high cry filled the air as the child fell toward the lower floor.
Richard threw his body forward across the floor and slid on both knees open-armed.
He caught the toddler tightly in his arms just inches above the hard floor.
He pulled her small body against his chest and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
Richard: I have you now baby.
Richard: You are safe with me.
The little girl buried her wet face into his shoulder and sobbed uncontrollably.
Richard held her securely as his chest heaved from the intense physical exertion.
His mind raced with sudden terrifying thoughts about what had almost just happened here.
He looked up toward the grand staircase with pure anger rising in his heart.