The Punishment

A fortnight ago, early Sunday morning at around 7.20am, the door bell awoke the entire household. In the mist of gathering your thoughts and being fully awake, there was another door bell ring. I was a little under the weather so my hubby went out to see who it was at the door. It was a neighbourhood child who had come to tell my daughters that their madrassa van has come to pick them.

Hubby called out the second-born’s name, only for her to come out of the room still startled by the door bell. He wasn’t amused that she had not set the alarm to wake up early and prepare her siblings for madrassa. He then told her to talk to the girl at the door. Guess what she said?... “Hi, my dad’s going to drop us.” She then proceeded to close the door and smiled at her dad.

“Say What?! You did not just say that?” thundered the dad! He then went on and gave her a lecturer on being responsible of yourself and actions. She is the older one of the siblings, therefore, the responsibility and guidance of her younger siblings solely rests upon her! They were all called and given a lecture too.

“So since you love your sleep too much, you all go take a shower, then go back to sleep. There is no way I will drop you at madrassa! If you knew that I would be dropping you, then why bother paying for the van??!!” said hubby literally mad this time. 

That will be your punishment! “No going to madrassa! No watching TV! Strictly no coming out of your rooms unless otherwise! (It was during the month of Ramadhan, so they couldn’t feed as they were fasting) You are simply going to sleep the WHOLE day!...up until it’s time to break your fast. And tomorrow morning, you had better wake up early such that by 7.10am, you are out of the house, by the gate waiting for the van! Are my clear?” as he looked at all his children straight in their eyes.

Waah! I hadn’t seen him so disappointed in them! Our eldest daughter and I felt sorry for them but they had to be punished because they were kinda making it a habit of waking up late and either the van waits for them to finish dressing up or the dad drops them later when through. He had had enough of their mind games and early morning laziness! 

You shoulda seen them! The shock, fear and mixed emotions in their eyes! SIGH...They had never seen dad this mad! This is one punishment that they will never forget and will forever chuckle about when they will be older and wiser! I’m still chuckling as I write this...but the point was definitely driven home! They have NEVER woken up late, ever! ;-)