The yard was a mess of chaos and confusion. Michael's fists were still clenched, his breathing ragged as Mr. Harris and Mr. Thompson held him back. Mason and Lucas, bruised and bleeding, lay on the ground, their faces marked with cuts and swollen from the assault. Blood trickled from their noses, staining the grass beneath them.
Daniel and Jacob, witnessing the aftermath, had rushed to Mason and Lucas's side. Their concern was evident as they checked the boys' injuries. Daniel, his voice tense, shouted towards the guardians, "Dad , Papa , their condition is pretty bad. They've got blood on their faces and noses, and they're bleeding. I think they need to see a doctor, maybe even go to the hospital."
Mr. Harris's face turned a deep shade of red as he looked from the injured boys to Michael. His disappointment was palpable, and Mr. Thompson's usually composed demeanor had given way to stern anger.
"Michael, what on earth were you thinking?" Mr. Thompson's voice was low but filled with authority. "You've gone too far this time."
Michael's gaze dropped to the ground, his anger now mixed with a deep sense of remorse. He knew he had crossed a line, but the sight of Andrew's fear had overwhelmed him. He remained silent, his face flushing with embarrassment and shame.
Mr. Thompson's eyes narrowed. "Strip down to your boxers. Now."
The command was sharp, and Michael, though seething with frustration, complied immediately. He could see the anger in Mr. Thompson's eyes and the disappointment in Mr. Harris's. His clothes were removed with quick, deliberate motions, leaving him in just his underwear. He stole a glance at Andrew, who was watching silently, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and relief. Michael gave a slight, almost imperceptible shake of his head, a silent plea for Andrew to remain quiet.
Andrew, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded in response and kept his silence. The other boys, who had gathered around, exchanged uneasy looks. They had never seen Michael in such a vulnerable state before, and the tension in the air was thick.
Mr. Harris, his face a mask of frustration, turned his attention back to Mason and Lucas. "We need to get them to the hospital immediately. They've been seriously hurt."
As Mason and Lucas were helped to their feet with the assistance of Daniel and Jacob, the gravity of the situation sank in. Mr. Harris and Mr. Thompson's eyes remained on Michael, their anger and disappointment unmasked.
"Michael," Mr. Harris said, his voice controlled but firm, "you're going to have to face the consequences of your actions. This isn't just about what happened here. It's about the rules and respect that we expect in this house."
Michael, shivering slightly from the cold and the severity of the moment, said nothing. His thoughts were a whirlwind of regret and worry. The house, which had once seemed like a place of refuge, now felt like a stage for his failure.
Mr. Thompson, still holding his gaze, added, "We'll discuss this further when we return. For now, stay put."
The air was thick with tension as Mr. Thompson, with an unyielding expression, turned his attention to Michael. Despite the anger and frustration that had been directed at him, Michael remained silent, his mind stewing with the belief that Mason and Lucas deserved what they got. He didn't regret his actions, nor did he offer any explanation. To him, the punishment was a necessary response to their cruelty.
Mr. Thompson's eyes narrowed with determination as he looked at Michael. "This needs to be handled," he said firmly. "We'll address it in a way that fits the severity of the situation."
He turned to the third oldest boy, Nathan, who stood nearby. "Nathan, get a rope from the storage room. It's time for a different kind of consequence."
Nathan, looking a mix of apprehensive and resigned, nodded and headed off towards the storage room. The mansion, surrounded by a high wall and gated entrance, was nestled in a spacious area with ample grounds. The tall trees and dense greenery made it easy to find secluded spots away from view.
Minutes later, Nathan returned with a thick rope coiled over his shoulder. Mr. Thompson took it from him with a nod of thanks and led the way towards the back of the yard. Michael, now fully aware of the gravity of his situation, followed silently, his hands restrained behind his back.
The back of the yard was a large, open area, overgrown with nettles and surrounded by trees. It was secluded, providing privacy for such disciplinary actions. In the center of this overgrown area stood a sturdy oak tree, its branches stretching high above.
Mr. Thompson gestured to the tree and directed Michael to stand in front of it. Michael's heart raced, but he remained defiant, his eyes set with a steely resolve. As Mr. Thompson began preparing the rope, Michael could feel the sting of nettles brushing against his legs and arms.
"Get over here," Mr. Thompson ordered as he began to loop the rope around Michael's chest and arms. Michael's hands were secured tightly, and his back was pressed against the rough bark of the tree. The rope was wrapped securely, leaving him bound and exposed to the elements.
The nettles around the base of the tree made the ground uncomfortable, but Michael barely flinched. His focus was on the determination in Mr. Thompson's eyes and the knowledge that this was the consequence he had to face.
Andrew, standing at a distance with a mix of anxiety and concern, watched silently. He had remained quiet as instructed, his heart heavy with worry for his brother. The other boys, who had gathered nearby, looked on with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Mr. Thompson finished tying the final knot and stepped back, surveying his work. "You'll stay here until we're ready to discuss further action," he said sternly. "This is to give you time to reflect on your actions and understand the consequences."
Michael, now bound to the tree, glanced around at the nettles and the surrounding yard. The situation was far from comfortable, but he held his head high. His thoughts remained firm that the punishment, though severe, was a necessary result of his actions.
As Mr. Thompson walked away, the other boys and Andrew remained in a tense silence, the weight of the situation settling over them. The sun began to cast long shadows across the yard, marking the start of a long, reflective wait for Michael.
To be continued
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