Chapter 2 of 6
Why My Wealthy Father Jumped Off That Mansion Balcony Today
A Heartstopping Slipping Grip
My heart leaped straight into my throat as I saw Maya step onto the narrow stone ledge. She was trying to point at a red bird perched on the roof tile above her head. But her foot slipped on the slick stone, and she lost her balance completely. She reached out wildly, dropping her stuffed toy straight down into the yard. Her small body tipped forward over the high railing.
Leo: DON'T PULL HARD! JUST HOLD MY HAND!
I lunged forward with all my strength and threw my arms over the ledge. I managed to catch both of her small wrists just as her feet left the stone floor. She was hanging in mid-air, dangling high above the hard concrete patio and the deep water of the pool. The weight of her body almost pulled me over the edge with her. My chest was pressed hard against the cold stone balustrade, and my knuckles turned stark white from the effort.
Maya: BIG BROTHER! HELP ME!
Leo: I have you! Do not let go!
Maya was crying hard, her tiny shoes kicking frantically in the empty air. Her small hands were sweating, making it almost impossible for me to keep a firm grip. I screamed for help as loud as my lungs allowed. Evelyn stood just three feet away near the glass doors, holding her drink. She did not scream, and she did not rush forward to grab Maya's arms. She just froze there, her face totally blank, watching us struggle.
Leo: EVELYN! HELP US! GRAB HER OTHER HAND!
Evelyn: Oh my goodness... I... I cannot look!
Instead of helping, Evelyn stepped backward into the shadows of the doorway. Down the hall, heavy footsteps echoed loudly against the hardwood floor. Dad burst through the French doors in his grey suit, his face pale with utter panic. He had heard my desperate screams all the way from his home office downstairs.
Richard: NO, NO! HOLD ON!
Leo: Dad! Hurry! I am losing her!
Richard: I am right here, Leo! Hold tight!
Dad sprinted across the stone tiles, extending his arms as fast as he could. But just as his fingers brushed against Maya's shirt sleeve, the sweat caused her hands to slide right out of my grasp. A sharp gasp escaped my throat as my fingers snapped shut on empty air. Maya plummeted downward toward the water below.