The world seemed to spin in slow motion as Sarah fell through the open air of the foyer.
Her white dress fluttered wildly while her arms reached out toward the giant crystal chandelier above.
A terrible scream torn from her throat echoed off the high vaulted ceilings of the mansion.
She dropped past the second story height, heading straight down toward the hard checkered marble floor.
The rushing air filled her ears as total terror gripped her body during those brief seconds.
At that exact moment, the heavy wooden front double doors swung open with a loud thud.
Mark rushed inside after finishing his call near the driveway, holding his suit jacket in one hand.
He was a strong man who cared deeply about his younger sister's safety and future happiness.
He froze for a fraction of a second as he heard the shrieking sound from above him.
His eyes widened in shock as he saw Sarah hitting the marble floor near the central display.
A sickening thud echoed through the grand foyer, followed by a sudden and terrifying silence.
Sarah lay crumpled on the cold stone floor, her white dress spread out like a broken wing.
Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and sprinted across the massive foyer at full speed.
His heavy shoes pounded loudly against the checkered marble tiles as he shouted his sister's name.
Mark: Sarah! Oh my god, Sarah!
He reached her side within seconds, sliding down on his knees next to her limp body.
His hands trembled violently as he leaned over her, careful not to move her neck or back.
Mark: Stay still, Sarah! Do not try to move at all!
Sarah groaned in pain, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps against the cold marble.
Tears streamed down her pale cheeks as she tried to raise her left hand toward her brother.
She gasped for breath, her face twisting in agony from the sharp impact of the fall.
Mark held her hand gently, his own face turning red with panic and swelling concern.
Mark: What happened? Did you trip? Did you slip on the steps?
Sarah coughed softly, tears spilling into her hair as she lifted one trembling finger upward.
She pointed directly up at the second-floor railing where Margarethe was still standing motionless.
Margarethe was staring down with cold, unblinking eyes, holding her burgundy dress against her hips.
Sarah: She... she... she pushed me!
Mark stared at his sister's weeping face, her words cutting through the air like a blade.
The horror of her statement sank into his mind as he looked up at the balcony landing.
Margarethe quickly shifted her posture, trying to pull back away from the white wooden railing.
Margarethe: She tripped over her own long dress, Mark!
Sarah: No! She shoved me with both hands!
Mark stood up slowly, his face twisting into an expression of absolute, uncontainable rage and fury.
His hands clenched into tight fists at his sides as he stared straight up at Margarethe.