(gap: 1s) Once upon a time, in a cheerful little house on a Kent council estate, there lived a lively boy named Peter. The year was 1972, and the world outside was full of skipping ropes, space hoppers, and the laughter of children playing in the drizzle. Peter loved nothing more than to dash outside, his knees often scraped and his hair untidy, eager to join his friends in their games.
(short pause) But Peter, like many boys, did not care much for washing. He would hurry past the sink, thinking only of the fun that awaited him in the courtyard. He believed, quite wrongly, that no one would notice if he forgot to keep himself clean.
(pause) One Sunday afternoon, as the rain tapped gently on the window and the smell of roast dinner filled the air, Peter’s mother was busy with the washing. She found, at the very bottom of the laundry basket, a pair of dirty underpants, all crumpled and hidden away. With a firm but gentle hand, she called Peter into the kitchen, where Grandmother sat with her knitting.
(pause) “Peter,” said Mother, holding up the soiled garment, “this will not do. Cleanliness is next to godliness, and a good boy must always remember to wash.” Grandmother nodded, her eyes kind but serious. “If you forget again, Peter, you shall have a sound spanking to remind you,” Mother warned, her voice calm but clear.
(pause) For a little while, Peter tried his best. He scrubbed his face and hands, and even remembered to change his underclothes. But soon, the call of play was too strong, and Peter slipped back into his old ways. It was not long before Mother found another pair of dirty pants, tucked away where he thought no one would look.
(pause) This time, Mother did not scold. She took Peter by the hand and led him to the living room, where his brother and sister watched with wide eyes. Mother sat down, placed Peter gently over her knee, and took off her slipper. With a swift motion, she gave Peter a firm spanking on his bottom. The sting was sharp, and Peter’s eyes filled with tears, but Mother’s voice was gentle as she said, “This is to help you remember, my dear boy.”
(pause) Afterwards, Peter stood in the corner, his cheeks red and his heart full of regret. Grandmother asked what had happened, and Mother explained, “Peter has forgotten the importance of being clean and obedient.” Peter listened carefully, and though he was sore, he knew in his heart that Mother was right.
(pause) From that day on, Peter tried very hard to remember his washing. He learned that mothers and grandmothers only wish for their children to grow up good and strong. And so, Peter’s days were filled with play and laughter, but also with the lessons of cleanliness and obedience, which he carried with him always.
