His Father sat up in his chair then spoke, "Your punishment, due to your actions, I do believe should be a big one. So, your punishment is going to be that I cannot have you do jobs or volunteering, not even community services. I cannot ground you either, so your punishment will hurt, but the pain will make you listen." He stopped talking and then called for one of the servants, "Richard bring me the rod from my room"
The servant, Richard, hurriedly left the room to fetch the requested item. As he returned with a long wooden rod, the father's stern gaze never wavered from his son. He took the rod from Richard's hands and gestured for him to leave.
"Son, I want you to understand the gravity of your actions," the father said, his voice firm but tinged with sadness. "I have high expectations for you, and it pains me to see you dismiss your responsibilities."
The son's eyes widened, anxiety coursing through his veins. He had never seen his father so serious before. The rod in his father's hands seemed ominously heavy, and he could feel a knot forming in his stomach.
"You will receive five strikes with this rod," the father continued. "Each strike represents the impact your actions have had on our trust and the community. This is not meant to hurt you physically, but to serve as a reminder of the consequences that come with recklessness."
The son's mind raced, trying to comprehend the severity of his punishment. He knew his actions were irresponsible, but was this the correct way to address them? Fear mingled with a hint of resentment, but he knew he had to accept it and learn from it.
The father motioned for his son to stand in front of him, his expression a mix of disappointment and concern. "Please, remember that this is not an act of cruelty, but a necessary step towards growth and understanding."
The son hesitantly stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. His father raised the rod, ready to administer the first strike. Time seemed to slow down as the rod descended, and when it connected with his outstretched hand, a sharp sting coursed through his body.
The son gritted his teeth, tears welling in his eyes, but he maintained his composure. Four more strikes followed, each one leaving a mark, both physically and emotionally. The pain intensified, matching the weight of his father's disappointment.
When the punishment concluded, the father put the rod aside and approached his son. He gently touched the marks on his hand, a glimmer of remorse in his eyes. "Remember, son, this pain is temporary. But the lessons learned from it will stay with you for a lifetime."
The son nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "I understand, Father. I will do better. I'm sorry."
His father sighed, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I believe in you, son. This punishment is not meant to break you, but to help you grow into a responsible and compassionate individual. Use this pain as a catalyst for change."
And as they stood there, embracing, the son realized that his father's punishment, although harsh, came from a place of love. He vowed to prove himself worthy and to cherish the lessons he had learned throughout his journey of redemption.