It was school break and Thad was visiting his Uncle Uriah and family.  Kyle, his older cousin, was away at college and he was using his room.  He had just returned from being out with his younger cousin who was now off to the dentist with his aunt.  He had just closed the front door when he heard his uncle bellow “Thad, in here.”© Y Lee Coyote

Thad entered his borrowed room and found his uncle sitting on the bed who immediately extended his arm holding out a cat‑o’‑nine‑tails.  He couldn’t imagine what horrid transgression he might have committed before it became clear that he should take the cat.

“You know what that is?”

“Yes, Sir.” he replied as he examined the implement.

“And how to use it?”

“I guess.  At least in principle.”

“Good.  I’ve had a bad day. A very bad day!  I lost it at work and earned stripes from the cat‑o’‑nine‑tails.  Normally, Kyle would get the task but he’s away so it falls to you.  Go practice a bit in the basement behind the furnace.  I’ll join you in a little while.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Shocked, Thad did as he was told.  Behind the furnace he found a cushion at shoulder height and a brief how-to for the cat tacked to the wall.  There were also a couple of hand grips.  He started to beat the innocent cushion.  After a dozen swings he found that he was developing control.  He could tell he was getting better very quickly.

A half-hour later his shirtless uncle appeared.  “Ten on the upper back, Thad.” he said curtly.  It was hard for Thad to wrap his head about the unusual order but he knew his uncle was never to be argued with.

“Yes, sir.” He replied as his uncle got into position holding the grips so he was positioned like he was tied to the shrouds of a sailing ship in times long past.  Thad swung the cat somewhat timidly and saw faint lines form on his uncle’s broad shoulders.

“Do it like a man not a wimpy girl.” snarled his impatient uncle.

Thad obeyed and swung again although much harder.  His uncle grunted.  He took that as an indication he was doing it right as a much greater strip formed.  He continued with the lashing noting the marks forming until he had delivered the ten ordered.  “Done.” he declared and ran back to his room to try to make sense of it all.

* * * * * * * * * *

A while later his uncle joined him.  “I’m sorry to have troubled you but I needed that as I messed up terribly today.  Just like your cousins and you get it when you misbehave so must I also.”