Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered Part 2

For the first time that evening a sense of impatience and irritation had crept into her voice. She opened her bedside drawer and considered two of the items inside – an old, plastic ruler and a thin, gold-buckled leather belt.

“Hurry up, Mummy’s getting impatient.”

Her voice was soft and distracted, as if it was caught inside her head and speaking to her alone. She felt dreamy and strange. Her demand went unheard by her son.

She stepped before the full-length mirror, feet apart and chest thrust out in a stance that symbolised authority and power. She admired herself, running the slim leather thong through her fingers. A thin smile played across her scarlet-painted lips.