He mumbled something about how he was “really going to get it at home” and changed the conversation.
Since my mother still spanked me once or twice a week and frequently mentioned how her sister used the same methods, my curiosity was instantly aroused.
Eager to find out more, I pressed Michael further.
But he only put me off with more vague answers.
“It’s nothing, Peter.
It’s just that my mom has my teachers call her whenever I get anything less than a C- and then I get in trouble,”
Knowing there was more to it than that, I asked him as innocently as I could:
“What do you care if you can’t watch TV tonight or lose this week’s allowance?”
“Never mind, Peter … it’s no big deal.
Let’s get back to the Red Sox and their chances this fall.”
“Only after you tell me what happens to you at home when you get bad grades.
Come on, Michael, you can tell me.
Since when do good friends have secrets?”
“I suppose they don’t… but really… it’s not anything.
I’d just rather not talk about it.”
Aunty Sheila’s Slipper Punishment 2
