My mother had recently been unwell, and to help her recover, she went away to Jersey for a holiday. (short pause)

While she was away, I was packed off to stay with my Aunt Gloria, who lived just two streets away on our estate. (short pause)

Aunt Gloria was in her late 50s, and it was no secret that she seemed to favour girls over boys. Looking after me was more of a duty than a pleasure for her, something she felt obliged to do rather than something she enjoyed.

Her house was neat and tidy, with a certain orderliness that reflected her personality. The living room was always spotless, and the kitchen smelled faintly of lavender polish and strong tea. Family photos lined the mantelpiece, and a pair of well-worn slippers always sat by her favourite chair. (short pause)

Aunt Gloria had her own way of running things, and I quickly learned that if I played up or stepped out of line, discipline would follow.

She didn’t hesitate to correct me, and her methods were simple and direct—either her hand or her slipper, whichever was closest at the time.

The first time it happened, I was caught talking back when I should have been helping set the table. Aunt Gloria’s face grew stern, and before I knew it, I was over her knee, feeling the sting of her hand.

If I was especially cheeky or slow to do as I was told, she would reach for her slipper—a faded, soft thing, but surprisingly effective. (short pause) The sound of it smacking against my backside was sharp and unmistakable, and it left me in no doubt that Aunt Gloria meant business.

The days at Aunt Gloria’s were filled with chores, early bedtimes, and a constant awareness that any misstep could lead to another lesson in discipline. (short pause)

She never shouted, but her disapproval was clear in her eyes and the firmness of her actions. (short pause)

I soon learned to keep my head down, do as I was told, and avoid giving her any reason to reach for her slipper. (short pause)

Those two weeks felt much longer, each day marked by the hope that my mother would return soon and life would go back to normal. (short pause)

When my mother finally came back from Jersey, I was relieved to leave Aunt Gloria’s house behind. The memory of her discipline stayed with me, a reminder of how quickly things could change when you were left in someone else’s care.