“They’re only guidelines David.” she told him. “Only really naughty boys need petticoating everyday.” I told him, adding “…and every night.” He gulped and looked up at me through a pair of pleaful eyes. “…but if today’s behaviour is anything to go by, you won’t need that.”

“I hope not. It’s horrible wearing a dress.”

“Oh it’s not that bad.” his mother insisted. “You only think it’s horrible because you’re a boy… it’s actually a very nice dress.” she told him.

An hour or so later, it was bedtime and David was finally released from the dress. “Take your tights and slip off.” his mother said as she put the dress on to a hanger and fastened its buttons.

“I don’t want it in there!” he whined as his mother opened his wardrobe. “Put it back in Janet’s room.”

“It needs to be in here so you know what happens when you misbehave.” his mother replied. “Now put your knickers and vest in your laundry basket.” she said as she removed a pair of pyjamas from his drawer.

“They’re not ‘my’ knickers.” he sulked.

“I doubt Janet will want them back now you’ve worn them.” his mother said. “Now you’ve only been out of your dress for two minutes and you’re playing up already…”

“Sorry.” he muttered as he pushed his feet into his pyjama bottoms.

“I hope you are, otherwise you’ll be wearing it again tomorrow.”

“Please don’t.”

“Well that’s entirely up to you.” she warned. “Think yourself lucky you’re not going to bed wearing one of your sister’s nighties.” she said. He frowned and blushed at the prospect. His mother tucked him in and wished him sweet dreams. “Night night.” she smiled.

“Night night.” he mournfully repeated. She left and turned out the light. David turned onto his side and thanked his lucky stars that he wasn’t wearing a nightie, or a nappy as that pamphlet advised. He stared at his wardrobe door, fearful of the dress that now hangs inside it… and constant reminder of what will happen should he misbehave again. He gulped and closed his eyes and soon slid off to sleep, hoping more than anything that he’d wake up in the morning to discover that it was all a dream… a very vivid dream.