(gap: 2s) Once upon a time, in a bustling Kent estate, there lived a girl named Barbara. The estate was always alive with the laughter of children, the clatter of skipping ropes, and the gentle hum of mothers chatting as they hung washing on the lines. Barbara, with her neat plaits and bright eyes, was usually a well-behaved girl, but even the best of children can have a troublesome day.
(short pause) One chilly morning, the school gymnasium echoed with the sound of children’s feet and the sharp scent of floor polish. During a lively game in Physical Education, Barbara found herself in a quarrel with another girl. Tempers flared, and before long, both girls were red-faced and breathless, their knees grazed and hair untidy. Their teacher, Miss Hardwick, was a firm lady with a tidy bun and a whistle that could silence a room. She believed in teaching children right from wrong, and so she decided that both girls must be disciplined with the slipper—a lesson they would not soon forget.
(pause) Now, the “slipper” at school was not the soft, cosy kind one wore at home, but a sturdy old plimsoll with a hard rubber sole, kept in the teacher’s cupboard for just such occasions. Its smack was sharp and quick, and it was meant to remind children to behave with respect and kindness.
(pause) Miss Hardwick called the other girl first. The gym fell silent, and all the children watched with wide eyes. The girl bent over bravely, her hands on her knees, and Miss Hardwick delivered a firm smack with the plimsoll. The sound rang out, and the girl gave a little yelp, her cheeks wet with tears as she returned to her place, rubbing her sore bottom.
(pause) Then it was Barbara’s turn. She had never been punished at school before, and her heart thudded in her chest. With trembling hands, she stepped forward, feeling every eye upon her. As she bent over, the fear and shame became too much, and to her great dismay, a dark patch spread across her gym knickers. Poor Barbara had wet herself in front of everyone.
(pause) The children burst into laughter, their voices echoing around the gym. Barbara’s cheeks burned with shame, and tears rolled down her face as she tried to hide behind her hair. It was a moment she wished she could forget, but she knew it would be remembered by all.
(pause) Miss Hardwick, though strict, was not unkind. She sent Barbara to the lavatory to tidy herself up, while the teacher and a few helpful girls cleaned the floor. The smell of disinfectant filled the air, mingling with the memory of Barbara’s embarrassment.
(pause) When Barbara returned, her eyes red and her hands shaking, Miss Hardwick spoke in a gentle but firm voice. “Barbara, you must learn to control your temper and your nerves. Now, let us finish what we started.” Barbara bent over once more, and the plimsoll landed with a smart smack. The pain was sharp, but it was over quickly, and Barbara’s sobs echoed softly in the now-quiet gym.
(pause) The day’s lesson was not yet finished. When Barbara arrived home, the house was warm and filled with the comforting smells of stewing vegetables and clean laundry. But when Mother found the damp gym knickers in Barbara’s bag, she knew something was amiss. Barbara told her everything—about the quarrel, the punishment, and her shame.
(pause) Mother listened gravely, her lips pressed together. She believed that children must learn from their mistakes, so she fetched the wooden spoon from the kitchen drawer. Barbara was led upstairs, her sobs muffled by the thick, colourful bedspread as Mother gave her a firm but loving spanking. The sound of the spoon was dull and final, and when it was done, Barbara was sent to bed without her tea, her pillow damp with tears.
(long pause) As Barbara lay in her small bedroom, listening to the gentle sounds of the estate outside, she thought about the day’s events. She understood now that losing one’s temper and being disrespectful could lead to trouble and sorrow. But she also knew that her mother and teacher wanted her to grow into a kind and thoughtful girl. And so, Barbara resolved to be better, to remember her lesson, and to treat others with respect and care, for that is how good children learn and grow.
