(gap: 2s) Tony and his little sister Brenda lived in a busy house with their mom, who was very good at keeping everyone in line! She was tall, had sharp eyes, and always wore her hair in a tight bun. When she walked into a room, everyone sat up straight! She made sure the house was neat and everyone followed the rules. But she also loved her kids very much, even when she had to be strict.

Tony was the oldest brother. He tried very hard to be good and help his mom. He was called the “little gentleman” because he was so well-behaved. He almost never got in trouble! But when he did, his sisters, especially Brenda, would giggle and tease him. They loved to laugh at Tony’s funny faces when he was embarrassed!

Brenda was the wild one! She was always running, laughing, and making up silly games. She liked to play tricks and sometimes got into trouble. Brenda loved to make Tony laugh, or sometimes, make him blush! She was always looking for a new adventure.

One rainy day, the house smelled like yummy stew. Tony came home late, and he looked very proud of himself. He walked into the kitchen with a big grin. But uh-oh! His mom was waiting. She asked him why he was late, and Tony tried to act brave. He even talked back a little! That was a big mistake. His mom said, “Tony, you’re getting a punishment!” Brenda saw the whole thing and couldn’t wait to tell everyone about it later!

The kitchen felt very serious. Tony’s hands shook as he got ready for his punishment. He was so embarrassed! (short pause) Just then, Brenda and her friend Lisa tiptoed inside. They had been playing outside and were very curious. They wanted to see what would happen to Tony!

The girls peeked around the corner, trying not to giggle. Tony’s mom stood behind him, looking very serious. She picked up a big belt and gave Tony a few quick swats on his bottom. SNAP! Tony gasped. It stung! He tried to be brave, but soon he was crying. Brenda and Lisa tried not to laugh, but it was hard! Brenda would always remember how Tony’s knees wobbled and how funny he looked trying to be tough.

But this time, Tony’s mom didn’t stop after just one swat. She gave him three, each one a little louder than the last. “Tony, you know the rules,” she said, her voice firm but not angry. Tony squeezed his eyes shut and tried not to cry, but a few tears slipped out anyway. He felt embarrassed, but also a little bit better, because he knew his mom still loved him, even when she had to punish him.

After the spanking, Tony’s mom gave him a big hug. “I know you can do better, Tony,” she whispered. Tony sniffled and nodded, feeling a little braver. Brenda and Lisa watched from the doorway, their eyes wide. They had never seen Tony cry before!

Suddenly, Tony’s mom turned around and saw the girls spying! Uh-oh! Brenda and Lisa froze. They knew they were in trouble now. Tony’s mom said, “Downstairs. Now. Both of you.” The girls walked downstairs, feeling very sorry. Tony’s mom called Lisa’s mom to tell her what happened. Lisa’s mom said it was okay for Tony’s mom to give Lisa a punishment too.

Downstairs, Brenda and Lisa whispered to each other. “Do you think it will hurt?” Lisa asked, her voice shaky. Brenda shrugged, but her heart was pounding. She remembered how Tony’s face looked, and she felt a little scared. “Maybe if we say sorry, she won’t do it,” Brenda whispered. But they both knew it was too late for that.

Tony’s mom brought the girls back. She told them to take off their pants and underwear. Brenda and Lisa were so embarrassed! Their cheeks turned red. Tony’s mom gave them a little talk: “You must always be kind and never laugh at someone else’s pain.” Brenda looked at the floor. Lisa looked very nervous. For once, Brenda knew how Tony felt!

Then, Tony’s mom picked up her old slipper. She held it up so the girls could see. “This is just to help you remember,” she said gently. Brenda’s stomach did a flip-flop. Lisa squeezed her eyes shut. Tony watched from the corner, still rubbing his bottom, but now he felt a little sorry for the girls.

Tony’s mom told Brenda to come forward first. Brenda shuffled over, her hands shaking. She bent over, just like Tony had. Tony’s mom gave her three quick swats with the slipper—SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! Each one made a loud sound, and Brenda yelped. Her bottom stung, and she wanted to cry, but she tried to be brave like Tony. After the last swat, she hopped up, rubbing her sore bottom and blinking back tears.

Next, it was Lisa’s turn. Lisa was even more nervous. She looked at Brenda, who gave her a little nod. Lisa bent over, and Tony’s mom gave her three swats too—SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! Lisa squeaked and grabbed the table. Her eyes filled with tears, and she sniffled loudly. When it was over, she jumped up and hugged Brenda tight.

The slipper made a loud sound every time it landed. Tony’s mom said, “This is to help you remember to be kind.” When it was over, Brenda and Lisa hopped around, rubbing their sore bottoms. They had to say sorry to Tony and promise not to tease him again. Tony forgave them, but Brenda still liked to tease him—just not about the slipper!

After the spankings, everyone sat together in the living room. Tony’s mom made hot chocolate for all three kids. She gave them each a cookie and a big hug. “I love you all very much,” she said. “Sometimes, families have to learn hard lessons, but we always stick together.” Tony, Brenda, and Lisa sipped their hot chocolate and felt a little better.

Later that night, Brenda and Tony talked in their room. “Did it hurt?” Brenda asked. Tony nodded, but he smiled. “Yeah, but I guess I deserved it. Next time, I’ll try to be on time.” Brenda giggled. “I’ll try not to laugh at you anymore. Well, maybe just a little!” They both laughed and made silly faces at each other.

The next day, Lisa came over to play. She and Brenda made up a new game called “The Slipper Escape,” where they pretended to run away from a giant slipper. Tony joined in, and soon everyone was laughing. Even Tony’s mom peeked in and smiled.

After that day, Brenda remembered the slipper and tried to be nicer. But Tony was still her favorite person to tease! The family laughed about the slipper story for years and years. Sometimes, at dinner, someone would say, “Remember the slipper?” and everyone would giggle—even Tony’s mom! And that’s how the slipper incident became a funny family memory, full of love, lessons, and lots of laughter.