I remember that day at Jason’s house like it was yesterday! I was just a youngster, and everything felt so big and exciting. It was the 1970s, and the rain was pouring down, making the whole garden look like a giant muddy puddle. Jason and I were stuck inside, super bored, and the house smelled like toast and something kind of lemony from the furniture spray.
(short pause) We found this old tennis ball under the sofa, and we thought, “Let’s play!” So we started bouncing it everywhere—off the walls, the floor, even the furniture. The ball made a funny thumping sound, and we chased it down the hallway, giggling and sliding on the floor. Soon, we ended up in the lounge, which always felt like a grown-up room with heavy curtains and a flowery smell that made me think of old ladies.
Jason’s mum, Margaret, was sitting in her big chair, reading the newspaper with her glasses way down on her nose. She looked just like a mum from a storybook—curly hair, a flowery dress, and soft slippers on her feet. She didn’t even look up when she said, “Take that ball out of here, boys! You’ll break something!” Her voice was so bossy, we stopped for a second, but we really wanted to keep playing.
(pause) The lounge was just too tempting! When Margaret left, we snuck back in and started bouncing the ball again, laughing even louder. But then—oh no!—the ball hit the edge of the fireplace, and a pretty vase started wobbling. It fell onto the carpet with a soft thud, but it didn’t break! We both froze, staring at it, not even breathing.
Just when we thought we were safe, Margaret came back. She stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips, looking super scary. “I saw what you did, you naughty boys!” she said, sounding really mad. “Jason, come with me. And you—” she pointed right at me, “sit there and listen!”
(pause) My legs felt like jelly as I sat down in the big, stiff chair. Margaret grabbed Jason’s arm and took him to the kitchen. The door closed, but I could still hear everything. Her voice was loud and sharp, and then it got really quiet. I heard a slipper slide off her foot and hit the floor. My heart was beating so fast!
Then I heard Jason’s voice, and he sounded scared. “No, Mum, please! Not the slipper!” he begged. Margaret just said, “Don’t be silly, Jason. You know what happens.” I could picture her sitting there, holding the slipper, and Jason looking really worried.
(short pause) Suddenly, I heard a loud smack! It was so loud, I jumped in my chair. Jason yelped, and then there was another smack, and another. It sounded like it hurt a lot, and I felt really sorry for him. The slipper kept going, and Jason kept crying out.
(pause) After a while, Jason’s cries got softer, and he started sobbing. “Please, no more! I’ll be good, Mum!” he cried. I’d never heard him sound so little before. The slipper made a slapping sound again and again, and I was so scared, I thought I might cry too. I squeezed my hands together and hoped Margaret wouldn’t come for me next.
(dramatic pause) It felt like the spanking lasted forever. I could almost feel the sting on my own bottom! I remembered times when I got in trouble, and how waiting for the punishment was the worst part. I wondered if Margaret would come back and spank me too.
(pause) Finally, the smacking stopped, but Jason was still crying really loud. Margaret said, “We’re going to show your friend what happens to naughty boys here. Come on!” I got even more scared and tried to make myself as small as possible in the chair.
The door opened, and Jason came in, rubbing his bottom and sniffling. His face was all red and puffy, and he wouldn’t look at me. I felt really bad, like it was my fault too. Margaret followed him, holding the slipper like it was a magic wand that could make anyone behave.
“Right – off to bed with you!” she said, and Jason ran out of the room, still sniffling. The house was super quiet as Margaret looked at me. She came over and knelt down so close I could smell her tea breath.
(pause) “If you ever misbehave in my house again, I don’t care if you’re my son or not—you’ll get the slipper too. Got it?” she said, her eyes looking really serious. I nodded as fast as I could, trying not to cry. I was so scared, my tummy hurt and my hands were shaking. I didn’t need a spanking to feel punished—her words were enough!
(short pause) “Now go home! And don’t come back for a few days—Jason won’t be playing anyway.” I jumped up and ran out the door as fast as I could. I could feel Margaret watching me, and I kept thinking about the slipper and Jason’s crying.
(pause) I don’t think I’ve ever run home so fast in my life! The rain had stopped, but everything felt cold and spooky. For days, I was scared Margaret would call my mother and father, and I’d get in trouble at home too. Every time the phone rang, I thought, “Oh no, it’s her!” I kept thinking about the slipper and how much it must have hurt.
(pause) But Margaret never called, and I never got the slipper. Still, I never forgot what happened to Jason, or how scared I was. It taught me to listen to grown-ups (most of the time!) and that sometimes, just the thought of getting in trouble is enough to make you behave. Even now, when I remember that rainy day, I can still hear the slipper and Jason’s cries, and I feel like a little all over again..
