The crystal chandeliers of the grand estate cast a brilliant glow across the marble foyer, but inside the private family study, the air turned entirely to ice.
Outside, the autumn wind rustled the tall oak trees lining the driveway, while inside, the sudden sound of shattering glass echoed down the long corridor.
David: Emily, what on earth was that loud crash coming from the library just now?
Emily: I didn't break anything, David. Ask your daughter what she's throwing around this time.
David: Lily wouldn't throw anything unless she was completely terrified of something.
Emily: She's just throwing another one of her childish temper tantrums because she doesn't get her way.
David: Lily, sweetie? Can you hear me? Open this door right now!
David rushed down the hallway, his heavy footsteps pounding against the polished hardwood floor as his heart raced with sudden panic.
He gripped the brass doorknob, twisting it hard until the heavy oak door swung open wide into the shadowy room.
David: What happened?
Lily sat crumpled against the baseboard, her face buried in her hands as silent, heartbreaking sobs racked her small frame.
Lily: Daddy... please don't let them make me go away...
David dropped instantly to his knees beside the crying little American girl in a white dress, gently hugging and comforting her[cite: 1].
SFX: Crying, soft whimpering[cite: 1]
David: Shh, sweetheart, daddy is right here. Nobody is taking you anywhere, I promise.
Lily: They said I have to pack my bags tonight... they said my new school is very far away.
David: What are you talking about? Who told you that nonsense?
Lily pointed a trembling finger toward a crisp white envelope lying face-up near the mahogany desk.
David reached out his hand, his fingers brushing against the cold hardwood floor as he grabbed the crisp piece of mail.
He flipped the envelope over, his eyes freezing instantly on the bold black lettering printed across the heavy cardstock.
Can David protect his daughter from the malicious forces operating right inside their own home, or is her exile already sealed by someone he trusts?