"That's how it has to be," I said. "You have to accept fault lies with what you did to deserve what you're getting and not hold it against the person dishing it out."
"That was the way it was in your family," she said, aping what I'd told her. "That's why you didn't hate your dad when he spanked you."
"Definitely."
"Then that's how it should be in our house," Karen said with conviction. She yawned and began to get out of the chair.
"I'm not finished," I said. "We have to discuss the quarry."
She turned to me. "I got my ass strapped for going there. Isn't that enough?"
"Yes, because you went there but not for taking your brother." She looked chagrined but remained silent. "Tell me all about it."
There was no protest, only a sigh. "Mary Ellen kept prodding me to go with her, and I kept saying no, but she kept teasing. I was babysitting Timmy so I used that as an excuse. She urged me to take him along. I figured if he was with me I didn't have to actually go in the water. I could just sit by and watch. She made me put on my bathing suit, so I wouldn't look like a dork, she said, so I did, to get her off my back."
"But you did go swimming. Your suit was wet."
"I just dunked in this little stream where the water comes out of the rock. I wouldn't go in the scary deep part. I told her she was stupid for swimming there. It's dangerous! She can't even swim near as well as I can. Then I left."
I took a long time considering what to say before I spoke. "I'm proud of you, for the most part, but you never should have taken Timmy where you both knew you were forbidden to go."
"I never let go of his hand! I'd kill myself if I ever caused him harm!"
"I know how much you love him but you set a poor example. He ended up petrified he'd be beaten too, because of it. I bet he's having nightmares all night."
"God, I'm sorry!"
"I am too, but like we said, actions require consequences. You have to be punished for what you did."
"Dad will be even more furious. God knows what he'll do!"
"I'll take care of your father and explain it to him. Now, let's address what to do about you." She remained silent. "You'll not be able to attend the next two of your soccer games . . . "
"Sarah!"
"You'll write a note to Mr. Haynes saying you violated an important rule at home and are being punished by not being able to play or attend. You'll apologize for letting down your team and you'll personally deliver the note to him."