(gap: 2s) Once upon a time, in a peaceful little town, there lived a cheerful boy named Peter. One glorious summer’s day, the sun shone brightly and the air was filled with the sweet scent of grass and flowers. It was Peter’s birthday, and his mother had promised him a very special treat—a visit to the city zoo. Peter’s heart fluttered with excitement as he held his mother’s hand, his eyes wide with wonder at the world around him.
As they entered the zoo, Peter’s mother knelt down and smiled kindly. “What would you like to see first, my dear boy?” she asked. Peter replied at once, “The lions, please, Mummy!” His mother nodded, and together they walked to the lion enclosure. Peter pressed his face to the bars, marvelling at the splendid creatures basking in the sunshine. His mother fetched a colourful map and traced their path for the day, making sure every moment would be an adventure.
They wandered from one animal to the next. The giraffes stretched their long necks to nibble the highest leaves, the baboons chattered and played, and the armadillos scurried about in their curious shells. Peter gazed in awe at the snakes and watched the tigers prowl with silent grace. The rhinos lumbered through their paddock, and every sight filled Peter with joy. But soon, it was time for luncheon, and Peter felt a little disappointed, for he wished the day would never end.
Peter’s mother knelt beside him, her face gentle but firm. “Now, Peter, remember, this is your birthday treat. You must behave well, or there will be consequences. I do not wish to have to punish you on your special day.” Peter nodded solemnly, for he knew his mother always meant what she said.
They found a shady spot beneath a grand old oak tree, where wooden tables stood upon the grass. Peter’s mother asked him to wait at a table while she fetched their lunch. Peter sat quietly, swinging his legs and watching the other families. The minutes seemed to stretch on and on, and Peter began to grow restless.
Suddenly, Peter noticed a sign pointing towards the hippopotamus enclosure. Hippos were his favourite animals of all! He thought, “Surely Mummy will not mind if I have a quick look.” So, without a second thought, Peter slipped away from the table and followed the sign, his small feet pattering along the path. The sounds of the zoo faded, and soon Peter realised he was quite alone. The enclosures looked unfamiliar, and a feeling of worry crept into his heart.
Tears welled in Peter’s eyes as he wandered in circles, calling softly for his mother. A kind zoo attendant soon found him and knelt down. “Are you lost, little one?” she asked. Peter nodded, unable to speak. The attendant took his hand and led him to the head office, where Peter sat on a wooden chair, waiting anxiously while his mother was called over the loudspeaker.
The wait felt very long indeed. Peter imagined his mother searching for him, her face growing more and more worried. At last, the door opened and his mother hurried in, her face a mixture of relief and sternness. “Thank you for looking after my son,” she said to the attendant. “I shall take him home now.”
Peter’s mother took his hand firmly and led him out of the office. Peter tried to explain, “I only wanted to see the hippos, Mummy.” But his mother’s lips were pressed together, and she said, “You have seen quite enough for today. We are going home at once.” The journey home was silent, and Peter felt a heavy sense of dread.
When they arrived home, Peter’s mother led him straight to his bedroom. The room felt strange and cold, and Peter’s toys seemed to watch him in silence. His mother sat on the bed and looked at him with kind but serious eyes.
“Peter, what you did today was very wrong,” she said. “You could have been lost or hurt. I told you to stay with me, and you disobeyed. You must learn that actions have consequences.” She began to undo his shoes, her movements calm and deliberate.
“Please, Mummy, do not spank me,” Peter pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks. He clung to her skirt, but his mother was resolute.
“Lie across my lap, Peter,” she said firmly. Peter obeyed, his heart pounding with fear and shame.
Peter sobbed as his mother gently guided him over her lap. “I am sorry, Mummy, I did not mean to be naughty,” he cried. But his mother placed her hand on his back and held him firmly in place.
The room was silent except for Peter’s quiet sobs. His mother raised her hand and delivered the first smack to his bottom. It stung sharply, and Peter gasped. She gave him twelve firm smacks, each one a lesson to remember. The sound echoed in the room, and Peter’s tears flowed freely. He kicked his legs and promised never to disobey again, but his mother continued until all twelve smacks had been given.
At last, his mother let him up. Peter’s bottom was sore and hot, and he could hardly catch his breath. “Now, Peter, you must stand in the corner for ten minutes and think about what you have done,” she said. Peter shuffled to the corner, his face burning with shame, and stood quietly, sniffling and promising himself he would never wander away again.
That day left a lasting lesson in Peter’s heart. He never again strayed from his mother’s side in a public place. The memory of that summer’s day—the sunshine, the animals, and the important lesson he learned—remained with him always. And so, dear children, remember: it is always best to listen to your elders and do as you are told, for they only wish to keep you safe.
