I guess it was five minutes she beat me for, but I was in too much pain to really think by the end.

It was agonizing.

At last, it was over.

Aunty called Felipe in.

My brother entered, and now I was the emotional one and he had time to calm down.

He was, however, still clutching his bottom.

“Back to bed.

Not one word out of you til morning,” said my aunty.

As soon as I was in bed, I burst into tears.

The punishment, I felt, had been excessive for the crime.

A few smacks for swearing might have been in order, but this was a serious beating.

Felipe agreed for he was not tearful but angry.

I heard him muttering curses under his breath, and he later furiously complained to dad.

Of course, father took his sister’s side.

It was the last time we ever swore at our aunt’s house, but not the last time we were to be punished.