When You Were Young

"I don't wanna wear that," Samantha said. "I wanna nightgown wike Pwoodance."

"Now Samantha, don't be difficult. It's been a long day and you need your rest."

"But that for babies. I'm big girw now. You said."

"I know you are, sweetie. Just put this on for tonight and I promise tomorrow we'll get you a nightgown."

"But Mama-"

"Now, young lady." Samantha took off her princess dress and climbed into the pajamas, Mama Veronica helping her zip them up. "You look very nice. Let's get you to bed and then Aunt Molly will tell you a story."

Mama Veronica scooped Samantha up, but instead of putting her in the bed with Prudence, Mama Veronica started towards the crib. "I wanna sweep in the bed," Samantha said.

"Sweetie, the bed is for Prudence and Aunt Molly. Your bed is in here."

"Cwibs ow for babies," Samantha said. "I'm big girw. You said so."

"If you don't want to be treated like a baby then stop acting like one. There's nothing wrong with your crib."

"No fair!" Samantha wailed. She clawed and squirmed to break Mama Veronica's grip. "I'm twee. I'm not baby!"

Samantha thrashed about in Mama Veronica's arms, her elbow coming up to hit Mama Veronica in the ear. Mama Veronica's grip loosened enough for Samantha to squirt free. She ran towards the bedroom to jump into the bed with Prudence.

Mama Veronica dragged her down by the hair in the doorway. "You little brat! You're getting in that fucking crib," Mama Veronica said, her voice sounding different. She sounded like a monster. She picked Samantha up by the hair to look her in the eye. Samantha kicked and clawed at Mama Veronica to no avail. "I think you need a good spanking to teach you a lesson."

"No! I get in the cwib. I be good," Samantha said.

"You need to understand who's in charge here," Mama Veronica said. She tucked Samantha over her shoulder and took her into the kitchen.

"Veronica, what's going on?" Molly asked.

"Samantha is misbehaving and I'm giving her a spanking."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I think she's learned her lesson already-"

"Mind your own business or you'll be next," Mama Veronica said. She picked up the smallest of the frying pans. Samantha's eyes widened and before she could stop herself, she wet her pajamas. "Christ, she just peed on me."

"I'm sorry. Pwease, don't-" Samantha's plea broke off with a scream as Mama Veronica bent her over and struck her bottom with the frying pan. She hit Samantha again and again, Samantha's screams growing louder until they filled the cottage.