Martha inched her way cautiously closer to him as she crawled. "Please," she pleaded with him. "I must apologize; I just did not anticipate it. It's so revolting, and besides–"

"Enough!" He stopped talking to her. "By continuing to speak in such a manner, you are simply making the situation more dire. Now that you've earned it, you're about to receive a paddling, so prepare yourself. Martha, get your behind end over here right this instant." Martha felt a knot form in her gut as a result of the chill emanating from his tone. However, she complied since she was aware that things would get more difficult for her if...