(gap: 1s) Once upon a time, in a quiet little town, there lived a cheerful family in a neat, white house with a red roof. The family was neither rich nor poor, but they were always content, for they had each other. There were three children: Susan, the eldest, Laura, the middle child, and little Mary, the youngest. Their days were filled with laughter, games in the garden, and the gentle hum of Mother’s singing as she baked delicious cakes in the kitchen. Father was a kind man, always ready with a story or a helping hand, and Mother was firm but fair, keeping the household in perfect order.
(short pause) In those days, children were expected to behave properly, and discipline was considered a most important lesson. If any of the children were naughty, Mother or Father would give them a sound spanking, not out of anger, but to teach them right from wrong. It was always done with care, and afterwards, there would be a warm hug and a kind word. The children knew that a spanking was never cruel, but a reminder to be good and honest.
(pause) There was one occasion, however, that Laura would never forget. It was a hot summer’s day, and the sun shone so brightly that the whole world seemed to sparkle. Laura wore her favourite blue dress, her hair tied neatly with a ribbon, and she felt as free as a bird. That morning, she asked Mother if she might visit her friend, Patty, who lived just down the lane. “You may go, Laura,” said Mother, “but you must return before three o’clock, for you have your piano lesson.” Laura promised, curtsied politely, and skipped away, her heart full of joy.
(short pause) Laura and Patty spent the morning in the most delightful way. They read books, played with their dolls, and made daisy chains in the garden. Time passed quickly, as it always does when one is happy, and before Laura knew it, the clock in Patty’s parlour struck four. Laura’s heart leapt with fright. She had forgotten her promise! She bade Patty farewell and ran all the way home, her shoes tapping on the pavement, her cheeks flushed with worry.
(pause) When Laura arrived, Mother was waiting at the door, her face serious. “Laura, you are late,” she said. “You have broken your promise.” Laura hung her head in shame. Mother explained that she must be punished, for promises are not to be broken. “You shall be grounded for three days,” said Mother. “No playing outside, no visiting friends, and no sweets.” Laura nodded, knowing she deserved her punishment, though her heart was heavy.
(short pause) After giving Laura her punishment, Mother left to do the shopping. The house was very quiet, and Laura felt lonely. Suddenly, she had a naughty thought. “Perhaps I could telephone Patty, just for a moment,” she whispered to herself. She tiptoed to the kitchen, lifted the receiver, and dialed Patty’s number. The girls spoke in hushed voices, giggling about their day, and Laura quite forgot the time.
(pause) Suddenly, Laura heard the front door open. She turned and saw Mother standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise and disappointment. “Laura!” she cried. “You are disobeying me again!” Laura’s heart sank. She put down the telephone at once, her hands trembling.
(short pause) Mother set down her shopping and looked at Laura with a grave expression. “You must learn that disobedience is very wrong,” she said. “I am afraid you must be spanked, Laura, so that you will remember this lesson.” Mother took Laura gently by the arm and led her to the sitting room. She sat down, placed Laura over her knee, and gave her six firm smacks with a pink plastic flyswatter—three on each leg. Each smack stung, and Laura cried out, but she knew she had been very naughty indeed.
(pause) As Mother spanked her, she spoke in a clear, steady voice: “You must always obey, Laura. Disobedience leads to trouble, and promises must be kept.” Laura wept, not only from the pain, but from the shame of having disappointed her dear mother. When the spanking was over, Mother hugged Laura and said, “I love you, but you must learn to be good.”
(short pause) Laura went to her room, her legs sore and her heart full of regret. She looked in the mirror and saw the red marks on her legs, a reminder of her naughtiness. She cried quietly, wishing she had listened to Mother and kept her promise.
(pause) That evening, at supper, Mother explained to Father and the other children what had happened. “Laura was very naughty today,” she said, “but she has been punished and has learnt her lesson.” Father looked at Laura kindly and said, “Let this be a lesson to you, Laura. If you disobey again, you shall receive twelve smacks next time.” Laura nodded solemnly, determined to be good from that day forward.
(short pause) And so, Laura learnt that rules are made for a reason, and that it is always best to be honest and obedient. She never forgot the lesson of that summer’s day, and she grew up to be a kind, trustworthy girl, always ready to help others and keep her promises.
(pause) Children, remember: when you are tempted to disobey or break a promise, think of Laura and the lesson she learnt. A spanking is never pleasant, but it is given with love, to help you grow into a good and honourable person. And that, after all, is the happiest ending of all.
