Without warning, Victoria shoved the black leather baby stroller hard with both hands.
The stroller rolled quickly over the smooth stone lip and fell straight into the deep water.
A massive splash echoed loudly across the open patio and against the glass mansion windows.
Victoria stood completely still by the edge of the pool, watching the carriage sink downward.
She did not scream or cry out for help as the water swallowed the metal frame.
Clara gasped in pure horror and sprinted toward the water with total determination.
Clara: NO! HOLD ON!
Clara leaped off the stone ledge without pausing for even a single second.
She plunged headfirst into the freezing blue swimming pool while wearing her full maid uniform.
The deep water enveloped her completely as bubbles rushed past her face and arms.
Her thick dark dress billowed around her legs, making it difficult to kick efficiently.
Underneath the surface, Clara opened her eyes despite the sting of the pool chlorine.
She saw the heavy stroller sinking steadily toward the bottom of the ten-foot deep section.
Clara kicked her feet violently and pulled herself forward using powerful arm strokes.
Her chest began to burn from the sudden lack of oxygen in her lungs.
She swam harder, refusing to let the innocent child suffer beneath the surface.
The heavy carriage touched the tiled floor of the pool near the deep drain cover.
Clara reached the stroller and grabbed hold of the chrome metal frame with both hands.
She worked frantically to unbuckle the heavy black nylon safety harness straps.
Her fingers trembled, but she pressed the plastic center buckle until it snapped open.
She pulled little Leo gently out of the carriage and pressed him close to her chest.
The infant was cold and silent as Clara wrapped her arm securely around his waist.
She kicked hard against the concrete floor of the pool to push herself upward.
The surface light shimmered above her as she fought against the weight of her wet clothing.
Rising through the water felt like it took an eternity as her lungs burned for fresh air.
She broke through the surface of the pool, gasping loudly for air with all her strength.
Clara: I SAVED HIM! I SAVED HIM!
She held the dripping baby high above the water line, swimming toward the shallow steps.
Leo coughed up water and began to cry loudly, filling the yard with sound.