MICHEL. Initiation of Jean-Luc being put to bed very early

MICHEL

Initiation of Jean-Luc being put to bed (very) early

Michel is 17 years old and lives with his mother, Elaine and his young half-sister 8 year old Viviane.  They have lived for a few weeks in a new neighborhood and the two children, the elder and the junior ones, as a result attend new schools.  Elaine imposes a strict discipline on her son, unlike Viviane who is not included. He must go to bed with closed shutters, curtains drawn and extinguished light at 7:00pm in the evening at the latest, therefore he is yet finished or go out or watch television.  In addition to that, he is often put to bed during the day as punishment, because he received bad marks, because he disobeyed and, generally and most unjustly, because of his young sister which, has many hours before sleep, can meet friends after dining and look at television until the end of the evening whereas her big brother has to sleep since 7:00pm or earlier.

There is no school on Wednesday afternoon.  This day, he is to receive a friend of class a little younger than him, Jean-Luc, to engage in assigned studies. The mother of Jean-Luc, Nadia, and his younger sister, 11 year old, Gaelle, are also invited.  During the lunch, Viviane and Michel argue and quarrel angrily in a heated discussion once more and, once more, his mother sends Michel to bed at once and under the victorious smile and mockery of his small and younger sister, who points out to him that it will already give the impression of malicious behavior to be in bed as a baby when his buddy comes!  Elaine adds ironically that since Michel will have to do his assigned studies in bed, Jean-Luc will have his office!  He protests in vain, whines, snivels and begs, but he must go up to his room, undress and go to bed in one of the childish nightdresses that his mother still obliges him to wear.  This one is white and pink with flowers blue pastel.  It is only 12:30pm. He feels beforehand, ashamed to be seen lying between his sheets in bed in the afternoon in a nightdress, punished at 17 years old like a small kid and by a sister much younger than him. He imagines the unbearable mockeries or the words of pity from him and the others. He holds back his impotent anger against Viviane, because of this girl he is punished once more!  He knows that his day of confinement is the result of his arguing and quarreling. Being punished means he will have to sleep for the night immediately after a light meal in bed.  He took all the same took precautions not to have to get out of his girlish nightdress in front of Jean-Luc.  He went to the toilet and put the material necessary to do the work at a distance from his bed.  

The guests arrive a little after 1:00pm. They are astonished to see Michel not present, as everyone is waiting for coffee. Viviane hastens to explain why her "big brother is already in bed because he was nasty and cruel with her!”  Gaelle has an outburst of laughter.  Jean-Luc bursts out laughing and their mother smiles surprised that such a big boy is still sent to bed as punishment at his age.  Elaine tells him that he has the age of a baby and that his behavior of a baby is appropriate for a childish punishment.  

She invites everyone to go to the bedside of Michel in order for the boys to prepare for studies and work. Bed punished Michel hears the steps and the voices, which approach, and the small cries and stifled, laughs of the young girls and the laughter too.  The door opens and his room is suddenly invaded by loud strong laughter. Elaine makes the introduction:  "Here is my unpleasant big boy!"  Nadia smiles again by greeting Michel:  "Hello, young man.  Then you were not nice with your young sister? Was your mum obliged to put to you to bed to punish you?"  His head still on the pillow, Michel is red with shame and is shy to answer satisfactory. "Hello Madam."  Jean-Luc is almost as embarrassed as Michel when they exchange a simple "Hello!" Gaelle stops her outburst of laughter in time to say, "Hello, I am Gaelle". In which he replies "Hello Gaelle".  She goes so far as to ask to him if he is pleased to be in bed.  "Not, at all.  I was punished!" That goes out as a cry of the heart that provokes a general laughter.  "This is not an impression that will go away.” consoles Nadia. "I find that a big boy of your age can bear to be in bed for the afternoon.  Moreover you are very well in bed.  You are very nice in your small nightdress!"  He reddens even more "You are charming. Your cheeks are matched with your bed linen!"  "You had only not to argue with me!” his sister comments ironically. "Oh you?”  She began to dispute him again.

His mother intervenes.  "Good!  The boys, you do your work.  Jean-Luc, you can settle in Michel’s office since it is lit. Viviane, you can go play outside with Gaelle.  It would be of no benefit to remain inside by a so beautiful afternoon, except if one is punished in bed, of course!  Nadia and I will get familiar outside with a good coffee. She adds one more time for the two boys "Do not drift.  Michel is punished.  He must have a light dinner in bed and then sleep!  Isn't this so, son?"  He is dismayed to have this announcement made so publicly for that reason, but as she does not make a point of worsening his case, he agrees:  "Yes mum.  One will have finished beforehand."  Jean-Luc confirms that the work is neither very long nor quite difficult and that they will have finished in an hour or an hour and half.  The boys do their studies and open the window and hear their young sisters play outside with other children who speak about Michel while making fun of him. Jean-Luc does not deprive himself any, either, which aggravates Elaine and annoys Nadia drinking coffee under Michel’s window. The mockeries of Jean-Luc are in turn encouraged by the conversation, which has gathered on the terrace, Elaine explaining to her guest the rules and the punishments imposed on Michel.    

 Elaine proposes to Nadia to remain for dinner and even for the night, Viviane and Gaëlle desire it. The two mothers decide to make an example of Jean-Luc.  Pretending that everyone remains at Elaine’s until the following day, Jean-Luc will thus join Michel in his room and that he will be punished and will sleep after teatime. Jean-Luc will have to make some preparations so much as not to disturb the punitive sleep imposed on his bed confined friend, the two mothers make known to him after having ensured themselves that their studies were met. There he remains stupefied.

It is even more still when Elaine opens the second bed installed in the room and requires Jean-Luc to undress, to pass to him the nightdress of Michel’s that she stretches over him and to put himself into bed immediately.  He points out that it is hardly 2:30pm, to what one retorts to him that their studies being finished, Michel must eat in bed and sleep immediately.  He still objects that he is not sleepy.  Elaine explains to him that he will have special milk that helps Michel to sleep early.  The boys take in bed, feeding bottles of hot milk and bowls of muesli, then toilet, and place chamber pots under the night tables. Lowered blinds and curtains closed by their mocking younger sisters in haste. Good night and a long extended sleep desired by their mothers and their younger sisters both who make fun of them and will continue to play outside until dinner then will be able to watch the television. The lit child monitor is turned on that requires absolute silence (since "Michel is punished!"), the light is extinguished and bed for the night at 3:00pm in the early afternoon. 

When two friends of their class, Christiane and Betty, come to see Michel and Jean-Luc half an hour later, Viviane has the pleasure of announcing to them that the two boys are in bed for the night and that they are already asleep.  What is not completely true is that Jean-Luc is drawn from his state of drowsiness from the hot milk mixed with the mélatonine which he drank in bed a little earlier, by recognizing the voices and laughter of his two friends outside, the worn out window was left open because of the good weather.  A puff of shame invades him with the thought of the mockeries of the girls of his class the following day. The breathing of Michel attests to that, for he is sound asleep.  

Between Elaine (E) and Nadia (N) the two women converse on the terrace by having coffee.  They are settled just below the lower part of Michel’s bedroom where the boys do their duties.  

N:  “I am really surprised that you can put your son to bed as punishment like that, during the entire day.  He is almost 18 years old!”

E:  “It is a question of authority and I am his mother.  He must obey me well.” 

N:  “I took note that he did.  What did he do to deserve to be punished?”

E:  “Oh! He again engaged in a verbal argument with his younger sister.  I know very well that she often causes it but she is 10 years younger than him.  I believe that he should be more reasonable than her, especially for a boy.  And as long as he won’t be reasonable, I will send him straight to bed.  It is the manner simplest and most effective to have peace.  And that benefits him as much as it does for us.”

N:  “That is not what he said a few moments ago.”  

E:  “Oh he is sure that he does not appreciate to be obliged to go to bed so early. It is a punishment all the same.  He is upset to be already in a nightdress and in bed while the kids of the neighborhood have fun outside and have a great day.  He is upset even more because his younger sister can remain up.  And moreover, today Jean-Luc was to visit him.  He had real shame because of that.” 

N:  “I understand.”  

E:  “You disapprove?” 

N:  “No! (She imagines Jean-Luc in his place. He would be surely worried)  

E:  “I suppose that your son is more reasonable than mine and that he does not deserve to be put to bed like a baby.”  

N:  “I do not believe that he is more reasonable, but I am surely not as strict as you.  The arguments with his sister are also frequent and annoying and if he were to go to bed each time, he might never get up!”  

E:  “I see.  I am less patient than you.  I do not want to be annoyed by an undisciplined kid, especially if he is already 17 years old.  To put Michel to bed has many advantages.  Not only is he punished, but he does not disturb us any more and he cannot do silly things during this time.”  

N:  “Because he does silly things?”  

E:  “He would do it if he could. He is easily causes it. I do not want him to go out in the evenings. Since he must sleep before 7:00pm all of the days it is no question.”  

N:  “At 7:00pm? Already at 18 years of age soon?  Doesn't he oppose it?”  

E:  “Oh of course! He complains about always going to bed much earlier than his friends and especially before his younger sister.”

N:  “How does he manage to sleep so early?”  

E: “Yes he has the habit for that. I put him to bed after dining and return from class. I require him to him take something when he must sleep since the afternoon because he is punished or because I do not want him disturbed.  I give him milk with the mélatonine, cough mixture or a calming herb tea, and if necessary, a suppository.”  

N:  “He does not look at the TV?”  

E:  “Not in the evening, in any case! I do not allow him to, except sometimes on a Saturday, according to the program and if he was really very wise during all of the week. In this case, I put him earlier to bed on Sunday. Elsewhere it is easier to make him sleep before the programs start than it is once he is looking at them.”  

N: “Well you are right it is true, but his sister?” 

E: “Oh, for Viviane it is different.  She is a girl and we are very close to each other. In spite of her age, she is more reliable and mature than her big brother.  She is sharp and more intelligent than him.  She is an excellent pupil.  She is allowed to watch TV as late as myself.  Moreover, she has artistic activities and physical events she must sometimes repeat in the evening.  With Michel already in bed, that enables me to accompany Viviane, the quiet spirit.  During this time, I know where he is and what he does.  Besides if I must leave earlier, I put him to bed earlier.”  

N:  “And how does he react?”  

E: “He knows very well that he has to obey, even if it is unjust.”

N: “If not, he will be punished, I imagine?” 

E:  “Yes! He will prefer to go to bed right away to avoid being spanked naked on the bottom than to pass one or two weekends completely in bed.”  

N: “You have authority, but what do his friends think about it?”  

E:  “With the high school everyone knew. At the beginning, some made fun of him but that did not last.  He received some of them at his bedside when he was punished during the afternoon and that they had studies to do together.  They were generally girls as they are more maternal.  They seem to appreciate the situation.”

N: “And Michel?” 

E: “He is always bothered. But I am sure that he feels no other choice. This is not the case with the other boys. He is at present much more ashamed, than he is in another school, there will be again reactions, but none worse. Fortunately for him, there are much more girls than boys.”  

N:  “Did you benefit from the occasion to advance the hour of his sleep?”

E:  “Ah no, not a question!  Because of Viviane’s schedules, I have had to delay the hour of his dinner.  He currently more often sleeps at 5:30pm to 6:00pm, than 7:00pm, and even earlier if it is needed. At the same time, I feel more free and at ease. Michel is prevented from going out and maintaining bad relations and, moreover, I do not have to be compelled by moral obligation. It is ideal.”  

N:  “You are lucky. It is not the case for me with Jean-Luc.”  

E:  “You hold that to him. You are his mother.” 

N:  “Of course.  But he is not accustomed like Michel.” 

E:  “Habits can be changed. If he remained a few times at my place, believe me well he would get accustomed to it.”

N:  “It would be good but?” 

E:  “But? Let us carry out a test. This afternoon, Michel must sleep immediately after his snack. When the boys finish their studies, let us go upstairs and tell your son that he will have to go to bed and sleep at the same time as Michel. You saw that there is another bed in his room.  I will invite you to remain for dinner and the night, as well as Gaëlle.  Viviane and Gaelle will certainly be happy.  I will explain to Jean-Luc that it is so that Michel is not awakened later that he must go to bed already.”  

N:  “Do you believe it?  But he does not have anything to sleep here?”  

E:  “Michel will lend him one of his nightdresses!”  

N:  “Jean-Luc always sleeps in pyjamas.”  

E:  “Still bad habits to change!”

N:  “Does Michel wear only nightdresses?”  

E:  “Since always.”  

N:  “The one he is wearing this afternoon, isn’t it rather for a girl?  

E:  “You are right. I hardly find any more for boys of his age. I always choose them for him.  They are much prettier and more comfortable than these dreadful pyjamas!  And it is more of a deterrent. He is less embarrassed to get up and to be seen in pyjamas that in a nightgown!”  

N:  “Oh, I see.  And it is true that it is as nice in bed.  Where do you buy his nightdresses?”  

E:  “At various places. I sometimes shop in a department store or at a friend’s who owns a lingerie shop.”  

N:  “Do you make him do fittings?”  

E:  “Yes, yes.  I take him along with me and he must be undressed to test. That amuses the sales women very much.”  

N:  “I can imagine, especially when he must remove everything.”

E:  “It is necessary that he try on all the nightdresses as he will wear them in bed, with a naked bottom!”  

N:  “It is true.  I would be curious to see how they would look on Jean-Luc.”  

E:  “Well, you will see it in time, do we agree?”

N:  “I agree, but him?”  

E:  “I will not leave him the choice. He will have only to open up his bed and to undress himself immediately after we go up, and then into bed, eat and sleep!”

N:  “Do you want him to eat in bed already?”  

E:  “Like Michel, yes.  It is logical.”  

N:  “Isn't it complicated to make him eat lying rather than at the table? If it is necessary to bring him a plate he is likely to overturn it. He is not accustomed to that either.”  

E:  “He will do as Michel, muesli in a bowl and calming milk in a bottle.”  

N:  “A bottle?”  

E:  “A feeding-bottle!  It is most practical for drinking in bed.  He can even remain lying on the pillow.  I already obliged Michel to take it when he is punished and when I want him to remain there stretched constantly. I tried out it personally.  That is very good!”  

N:  “I do not know what Jean-Luc will think!”  

E:  “It will not be asked of him.  He will have to do what we say to him!”  

N:  “But I am not sure that he will be able to sleep immediately.”

E:  “You will see.  Milk with mélatonine is very effective.  It increases and advances the need for sleep.”  

N:  “When Michel is punished and must remain quiet in bed all the afternoon or all the day, how do you supervise it?”  

E:  “First he cannot get dressed.  All of his clothing is confiscated.  He must remain in a nightgown.  Then with a key, he is locked up in his room. Moreover, I installed a child monitor that enables me to hear from downstairs any noises in his room.  Lastly, I check on him from time to time to see that he sleeps well or I send his young sister to check. She does it with amusement, a matter our two youngsters discuss a lot. They probably have finished their studies. What time is it?  

N:  “2:20pm!”

E:  “Can you ask your son where they are, since he is still up and that Michel is in bed?”  

N:  “Jean-Luc!  Jean-Luc!”  ( Jean-Luc comes to the window)

JL: “Yes, mum?” 

E:  “You finished?” 

JL: “Yes, Madam.  We did everything already.”  

E:  “Well wait for us with Michel.  We will come up.  Elaine and Nadia rise and go up to the floor.  Michel is sitting in his bed while Jean-Luc leafs through a comic strip in the office of his punished friend.”  

E:  “Then, boys you were quick. That’s better. In this way, we can organize ourselves for this evening and our invited guests can remain to dine and sleep.”

JL: “Is it true, mum?”  

N:  “Yes, my darling.  You, you will sleep with Michel.  There is another bed in his room, do you see?” 

JL: “I agree, but I do not have anything to sleep in.”  

E:  “We will make arrangements for you do not fear. Besides you will settle yourself immediately.”

He is surprised, and does not understand immediately.  Michel’s mum opens a cupboard for a pale yellow nightgown with stars and the crescents of the moon.  She stretches it  Jean-Luc. 

E:  “Here. This should suit you. It is just a little too tight for Michel but you are a little younger.”  

JL:  “But?? What?  Why??” 

E:  “It seems to me that it is clear! Undress yourself, slip on this nightdress and get into bed.  I will open it up, it awaits you.”  

JL:  “But, mum! Must I go to bed now?”  

N:  “Yes, my darling.  You know that because Michel is punished this afternoon, you will take a light meal and sleep immediately.  It is not necessary that you disturb him later.  It is for that reason that you must already lie down.”  

JL:  “Oh? But it is the afternoon.  It is not even 2:30pm yet.”  

N:  “I know my big one. It is 2:20pm.  But you must go to bed all the same. Do not make Elaine wait.  And see Michel, as he is wise.  He was already in bed at 12:30pm and he is older than you.”  

JL: “But he is being punished!”

E:  “You risk being punished also if you do not obey. Isn't this so, Nadia?  Go! Get in nightgown and to bed immediately!” 

The tone is without retort. He submits himself despite the presence of the two women and Michel who smiles ironically, stretched out on his pillow.  Nadia takes the clothing and underclothing as her son removes one by one. As Elaine holds his nightgown, he hesitates before removing his underwear.  

N: “We know what a boy is cherished one. Let go of your manners.”

He is very naked and red as a peony when he takes and pulls on the short nightdress that Elaine tends to him.  It stops just short of his thighs.  

E: “Look here it suits you well.  You are absolutely ravishing. You wear it better than a girl.”  

N:  “It is true, my darling.  That suits you much better than pyjamas!  You are as nice as Michel.  We have a good reason to put you to bed so early.”  

JL:  “But, it is not me that wants it!  I do not ask it and I particularly do not desire it! On the contrary, it annoys me enormously! I am not punished. I am neither sick nor tired, I am not sleepy. Of the whole it  is considerably beautiful outside.  I finished my studies and I wanted to go out afterwards. Gaëlle plays with Viviane during this time and I already have to go to bed.  I will not be able to even look at my play this evening on the TV.  Gaëlle is a girl younger than me and will be able.”

E:  “Here is a typical macho speaking. I want!  I am tall!  I am a boy, not a girl!  Is my   younger sister privileged? I know it by heart. This is what dwells on Michel. You deserve to be put in your place. And like a grumpy baby your place is in bed immediately like Michel.”

N:  “Elaine is right. You behave like a dirty kid.  I am too nice with you.  Then, now, obey and into bed!”  

JL: “It is necessary that I use the toilet.”  

N:  “Then, hurry!”

E:  “It is on the right while leaving the room, at the end of the corridor.”

He goes there while drawing on his nightgown from his buttocks, under the amused glance of the two women.  

E:  “You see, Nadia.  He is already ready for bed.”  

N:  “And it is not even 2:30pm in the afternoon!  I am a hippie.”

E:  “You note that it is not so difficult.  It is not necessary that he is agreeable to be put to bed, a big boy like Jean-Luc or Michel.  If we want it, he would be put to bed at any hour that is appropriate to us and as for a long time if we want it ourselves. Moreover, it is an excellent standard of folding back the idle chatter of these pretentious young ones, by disciplining and controlling them.”  

N:  “And to punish them like babies, too?” 

E:  Yes! There is no more of an effective punishment for them. To be in bed in the course of the day and to have to sleep whereas others are up, they are not only bored and annoyed because they are secluded from going out and of movement; they are also embarrassed and ashamed, especially when both girls and younger children remain up and make fun of them. Isn't it youngster?”

Michel finally expresses himself on the pillow.  He turned in bed to reply.  

M: “Yes, mum.  But today, it is because of Viviane!  She has again provoked me!”

E: “You always say that. See, Nadia, he has all the same frustrations. When you understand that a big boy as opposed to a small girl like your sister must be more reasonable than you, you will less often go to bed as punishment.  This is for you to see. I do not have any opposite problem with Viviane in any way as I point out that how you speak to her is the reason you are punished and because of you that your friend Jean-Luc is obliged to be put to bed also this early afternoon.”

M:  “Will he also eat in bed and take his bottle like me?”   

E:  “Yes, son and then sleep for you two.”  

N:  “Oh you regret maybe having finished your studies so quickly?”  

M:  “Oh as I am punished in bed for all day, I like as much to sleep immediately.”  

N:  “Even so early?  You are a good boy.  I hope that Jean-Luc will as be obedient as you.”

E:  “I also hope for you son. You said it, you are punished.  There will be no chitchat after eating, otherwise to bed all of the next weekend!”

M:  “It will be necessary to tell Jean-Luc!”  

N:  “I will tell him.”  

E:  “But if there is any noise in your room after I have extinguished the light, it is you who will be punished, do not forget!”

Jean-Luc is back.  He hastens to slip into the open sheets of his bed and to fold back the covers on him.  As his pillows are flat, he is resigned there to pose his head and to stretch.  He is conscious of the image of a subjected little child that he presents, but what else can he do?  

E: “Here! Wait for us wisely in your beds. We will return in five minutes with your snack. So take advantage to speak one last time between you. Afterwards, it will be complete silence until tomorrow morning!”

Left alone, both confined to bed boys exchange their impressions.  

M: “I am sorry for you.  I did not expect that.”  

JL:  “Me neither!”  

M:  “Does that annoy you much?”  

JL:  Ah yes a lot!  It is the beginning of the afternoon, the weather is nice outside and I am not absolutely sleepy! And you?” 

M:  “For me that does not change anything.  I am already in bed since 12:30PM and I must sleep since then. And then sleep often comes to me.  I think that for you, it is new!”  

JL:  “Completely!  This is the first time.  Even as a kid, my mother never sent me to bed   early.” 

M:  “Even in punishment?”  

JL:  “Even in punishment; my sister yes, but not me. I am too big for that!”  

M:  “For me it is the opposite.  Viviane does not go to bed before mum and she is never punished. I must go to bed every evening immediately after dining and I am often punished because of her.  Spanked nude and put to bed!  This is a true plague. She always gives mum a reason and she benefits from it.  She even invents things that I did not do and puts me in my place. Then how do you feel? Your bed is good at least?”  

JL: “I have a good bed I am annoyed to be in bed already in broad daylight. It is only the beginning of the afternoon.  I was delighted to have had finished my studies and to be able to profit from it. It is irritating that this brat of a sister delights in being the cause of my anger, especially when she sees me in this girlish nightdress. I lack the appearance of malevolence. I feel really ridiculous to be in bed like a punished baby.  And in any case I have not gone to sleep at this hour. How do you succeed in sleeping so much this early?”

M:  “Mum administers to me special milk. You presently will have the same undoubtedly.”  

Elaine and Nadia enter then with the afternoon snacks for the two boys in bed. Each one has a bowl of muesli and a hot milk feeding bottle.  Jean-Luc is already confused and ashamed of being put to bed in a nightgown for the full day and that he has to drink his milk from a feeding bottle.  Milk and with the feeding bottle!  He puts himself at risk to protest while his mother assists him to be sat up in his bed. 

JL: “No mum, not the feeding-bottle.  I am 16 years old!”

N:  “Nonsense Michel is soon 18 years old and he drinks his milk from the feeding-bottle.  Elaine explained me that it is more practical in bed than a cup or glass.  It is perfectly right.”

JL: “But I do not know how to do it!”

N:  “I have just tried and you can do it alone. The babies do that well. A 16 year old big boy must reach that point still better!”  

E: “Your mum is right. And if you have difficulties, ask Michel.  He has had much practice. You have ten minutes.  Then you will wash your teeth, go to the toilet and you will go to bed.  One will come to tuck you in, lower your blinds, and close your curtains.  Ah, Michel foresaw and brought you a chamber-pot for the night for his friend.” 

Bowls and feeding-bottles are deposited on the respective night tables of each big baby in bed.  Jean-Luc had some more mouthfuls and finished swallowing his muesli, then shown himself to be completely skillful with the bottle.  Michel however finished before him and proceeds to the bathroom.  They cross in nightgowns in the corridor.  Michel carries a chamber-pot in each hand.  They exchange just a constrained smile.”  

Some minutes later, they are both put to bed. It is just 3:00pm, when they hear the scamper at the top of the staircases. The door swings opens and their two young sisters enter while laughing.  

V: “This is the hour of the sleep for the big brothers!”  

G:  “One comes to make you sleep.” 

JL: “What do you come to do here?”  

V:  “I just told you, to make you sleep.  Mum prepares dinner downstairs. She asked us to secure you for the night.  They will come to see you a little later, but you will probably be asleep already. Gaëlle, light the bedside lamp of baby Michel please!  I will descend the blinds and close the curtains for our big punished boys in bed.”

JL: “I am not punished!”  

G:  “But you are in bed like Michel.  It is well done!”  

JL:  “What did I do to you?”  

G:  “You always are the cunning one because you are bigger than me, but at the present now it is you in bed like a big baby who finished his feeding-bottle.  Well done!  Well done!”  

The blinds are lowered and the curtains closed, but the window is left open.  The two boys can hear from their beds the rumors of the outside, those of a beautiful afternoon. The room is dark other than the distinguished flicker of a bedside lamp.  Viviane tucks her big brother in bed and wishes him "A good long sleep in bed, brother" with a kiss on the face. At first hesitating, Gaëlle does the some with hers and then turns her back furiously to him. Before extinguishing the light and leaving with her young friend, Viviane strolls over and turns on the monitor and reminds the two boys that they should not get up anymore to neither speak or to make the slightest noise until the next morning of day.  Otherwise Michel will again be punished in bed.  She adds piteously that she would be ashamed in their place, to be put to bed like grumpy babies or ridiculous boys of their age, that she will relate it to all of the neighborhood while playing with the children in the vicinity (" The weather  is so nice out outside! "), that they will have a voucher to dine, (a clafoutis, [a baked dessert composed of a layer of fresh cherries topped with a thick batter], which Michel is crazy about! and that they will be able to watch a television game that Jean-Luc finds particularly appealing. Viviane extinguishes Michel’s lamp.  The young girls carry empty bowls and feeding-bottles and leave the room of their older brothers while screaming in funny laughter and with an ironic, "Punished in bed until tomorrow”, accompanied by a sign of the hand.  The door is closed, the key turned in the lock.  The young girls go back down while laughing. Shortly after, the two boys can stretch undisturbed at the far end of the bed at 3:00pm. The day is still long for almost everyone.  For Michel and Jean-Luc, however, it is already finished.  Before turning his back to him, Michel is satisfied to whisper "Good night, sleep well" to Jean-Luc.  

JL: “Good night at 3:00PM in the afternoon, it is ridiculous to a 16 year old boy.  Your sister is right. I am ashamed.”   

M: “Hush! One has no more right to talk now. With the monitor one listens to us downstairs.  I still do not want to have to stay in bed all the next weekend. Do you suppose that I do not have shame, too?  I am 18 years old in one month!  And do you think that I like that to be secured in bed all the afternoon because of this plague of Viviane?  But in any event you are like me, are secured in bed until tomorrow. Then, also make like me.  Keep silent yourself, turn over and sleep!” 

JL: “Good! We agree! Good night.”

He turned over in his sheets in silence. Anger, antagonism, annoyance and humiliation exist in him.   He can feel nothing other than his naked skin in a ridiculous nightgown and under pink sheets on a normal sunny afternoon, he can’t think of anything else other than the snickers of Viviane and Gaëlle, with the mockeries of the kids of the neighborhood, to the sun outside, to the dinner of which he will be deprived, to the televised game that he will not see this evening. He does not see the obscurity around him, He does not hear the silence of the room around him where he is kept, and he does not feel the lukewarmness of the bed where he is confined. A state of inactivity nevertheless invades him little by little while a little light of this sunny afternoon pierces through and that the uniform breathing of Michel’s rhythm is peaceful.  The milk of the feeding-bottle starts to take effect.  He would want to endure, not to submit himself. One put him to bed against his will, like a baby, he does not want to believe that he accepts it while falling asleep already.  He is not as obedient as Michel and quickly resigned, fleeing in sleep his condition of a big baby. His powerless rage, despite its efforts, lessens, fills out, and fizzles.  A light sleepiness settles itself, growing heavy. It feels better, it feels good.  His bed is a cloud that takes him while diverting towards the paradise of his dreams.  An angel speaks from afar, with a voice of girl, a known voice that worries about Michel and him.  

Voice: “I am Betty. Christiane and I come for Michel and Jean-Luc.  They are our class friends.  They must do their studies together.  We would like to compare them with ours.”  

V: “Michel is my brother.”  

G: “Jean-Luc is mine.  They finished their studies but?”

V: “We have has just put them to bed for the night.  They must already be asleep.  

B: “In bed? At 3:15pm in the afternoon?  What did they do?”  

V: “Oh, my brother is punished.  He quarreled with me again during lunch and mum put him to bed to sleep.  Jean-Michel had to go also because of that.” 

B: “He also quarreled with you, or his sister?”

G:  “Not me! Mum, Jean-Luc and I will stay this evening and night at Viviane’s.  My brother shares Michel’s room.”  

V:  “Yes and as Michel is being punished, he must sleep immediately.  Mum did not want Jean-Luc to disturb him, so it is for that mum already put him to bed also, so that they both sleep at the same time.” 

C:  “They must seem fine, two big boys of their age, already to sleep as babies.”  

B:  “Yes.  I did not know that one could still be punished in bed, without dining, at 17 years, especially boys by their mum!” 

C:  “Did they sleep without anything to eat?  

V:  “They had to eat just before sleep.”

C:  “Ah?  The big babies took their afternoon snack in bed?”

B:  “They also did their studies in bed?  

V:  “Michel, yes, since he was punished and had to undress and put to bed immediately after lunch.  Jean-Luc was with him in his office.  He remained up while they worked.”

C:  “Did both mums put them to bed only after eating?”  

G:  “After the feeding-bottle, it is we, the younger sisters, who put our big babies to sleep by tucking them in, closing their blinds.” 

B:  “I regret having missed that!”   

C:  “The feeding-bottle? Really?”  

V:  “Yes, yes. Really!  It is simplest to drink one’s milk or tea in the bed.  Michel must always do that when he is in punishment or when he must go to bed before dining.”  

C:  “He goes to bed before dining?”  

V:  “When mum wants that he goes to bed earlier, yes! That is not every evening unfortunately.”  

B: “Is he so troublesome before that?”  

V: “He argues all the time at the table!  He believes that he knows it all, that he is more cunning because he is a boy and that he is bigger, and then he wants to be always right.  He is jealous of me, too.  When he argues, mum must put him to bed to have peace.  If he is already resting in bed, I can at least eat quietly and I can discuss with mum.  I can have what I prefer as much as I want without his animal remarks.”  

C:  “And him?”  

V: “He is upset, it is clear.  He goes to bed while whining and sniveling like a big baby that he is.  If he still did not eat anything, I go up with his bowl and feeding-bottle for him and then sleep!”  

B:  “He must be upset even more if it is his small sister that brings to him to eat in bed, and a feeding-bottle, moreover!”  

C:  “Which makes him sleep then?”  

V:  “It is true. In his mind I am the cause, but I don’t care! He is in bed like a baby, not me! It is more upsetting for him, when I go up with a girlfriend of my age to help me to tuck him in and sleep, and that she bursts out laughing by already seeing him in a nightdress and in bed

B:  “Ah, because once more, he goes to bed in a nightdress?”  

G:  “Yes!  A pretty nightdress! I saw it a few moments ago.  My brother will wear one this afternoon.  It is one of Michel’s that his mum lent to him!”  

C:  “It's a pity that they sleep already and that we cannot see that!”  

B:  “We have come because of the studies that they completed. We need them. Could we see them?”  

V:  “Their studies?  I don’t know.  It is necessary to ask mum.”

Viviane calls Elaine, who appears and explains the situation.  

E:  “I agree!  Viviane will accompany you among the boys.  Do not make noise and try not to awaken them.  After their feeding-bottles, they must be already asleep.  Moreover that would be better for them, I informed them! Since you know what you seek, I think that you can find it yourselves.”  

B:  “Of course.  Thank you, Madam.” 

Jean-Luc is coming out little by little from his drowsiness by recognizing the voice of his friend Betty and that of Christiane.  He could not follow all the conversation through the lowered blinds and the drawn curtains, but he understood that they knew he was in bed this Wednesday afternoon and that they would not fail to speak about it in class and make fun of him.  In the confined bed, Michel seems to be in a deep sleep. The idea that he should be asleep as well does not comfort Jean-Luc.  The girls do not intend to go up silently. He moves suddenly when a sharp light penetrates behind him with the discrete opening of the door.  He is turned over while blinking his eyes.  He recognizes Viviane and, on her steps, Betty then Christiane, an ironic smile on her sly lips and a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.  At this moment, he would have liked to disappear.  He would have even desired to sleep like Michel, rather than to face the mocking glance of his two friends. But it was too late to simulate sleep.  The visitors speak in a whisper.  

V:  “Here are our big babies in their beds! Ah, I see that baby Jean-Luc is awake.” 

C:  “Eh, foolish baby Jean-Luc!”

He is stunned and senseless to react, looking at his friend leaning on his bed, smiling with her lips and brilliant eyes. He can only murmur "Hello, Christiane!" 

B:  “Hello, Jean-Luc or rather good night.  Make only sleep.  We just came to seek your notebook. Tomorrow morning I will return them to you, after you’re awake. Sorry to have woken you.  

JL:  “I did not sleep yet.”  

C:  “You saw, Betty, his nice nightdress of a young girl!”  

B:  “Of course. It is ravishing and is appropriate for a girl.  Michel is also darling in his.  Rose and white with flowers, he chose it well.”  

V:  “It is not his, it is mums. There is the work of Michel and those of Jean-Luc.  Take what is necessary for you.  Michel starts to be agitated.  He too is likely to awaken. We will leave those two punished to fall asleep again.”

His friends are diverted by Jean-Luc stretching in his sheets to the point of arising. They find without sorrow the documents that they need. Michel emits a vague sigh and half-opened his eyes before being put again under his pink sheets and in his white pillow.  Betty and Christiane have some fun while smiling.  

C:  “Hey does your big brother take his punishment well with philosophy?” 

V:  “So much better for him and for us. We are grateful for peace at last!”  

The two visitors take leave of Jean-Luc already stretched on his dormant pillow and a half.  In his bed, Michel seems sedated, slackened, eyes closed and breathing regular.  

B: “Good.  These are what we need.  We will not have to do any more but to recopy.  Thanks to you wee can make use of our afternoon and evening.  We have an appointment at the "Carambar".  It's a pity that you cannot come with us whereas your studies are done!  But since you are consigned to bed, you will tell Michel that we came and saw him in bed whereas he slept already.”

JL: “But you know and that annoys me!” 

C:  “I understand, that would annoy us also very much!  But it is so much better for you.  Good night, big baby.  Make beautiful uninterrupted dreams.”  

B:  “It is good big baby that you are simply punished in bed. Here!  Sleep, young man.  And thank you for all of the work finished. We will review tomorrow morning. At least you both will be quite rested.”    

JL: “By tomorrow. Have fun!”  

C:  “Promised!  If there is time we will also think of you with staying in your beds!  Hold.  A small snuggle for the night on the face.”  

B:  “Me too, on the nose!”

For Jean-Luc, he resists the pleasure in shame. His cheeks turn pink as much for one as the other. Viviane tucks in the two big boys again before rising under the interested and amused glance of the two visitors.   

V:  “See the monitor Jean-Luc! It is time for you big boys like you to be quiet, rest and go to sleep immediately. Good night.”  

JL:  “Good night, Viviane.  

V:  “Good night for me is much later! I will still play outside with Gaëlle and my girlfriends; I will have a good dinner and will look at your play on TV. I do not have to go to bed like a whining baby! It is only for stupid foolish big boys like Michel and you.”  

JL: “I did not do anything.  It is only Michel who is in punishment.”  

V:  “But you are also already in bed and it is essential that you must sleep like him. Close your eyes and make sleep now!”  

Betty and Christiane leave followed by Viviane who closes the door and turns the key again. Darkness and silence reign again.  Michel does not express any sign of agitation nor of awakening.  He always turns the back on the bed of Jean-Luc.  This time, he does not try any more to resist.  He closes the eyes as Viviane ordered and is invaded by a pleasant torpor. He drowses for an instant before falling into the deep sleep from the melatonine on which a 16 year old boy had from a good hot milk feeding-bottle. The remainder of the day passes by without Michel and Jean-Luc, sensibly sedated in their beds, in punishment for one, by imposed solidarity for the other. Their young sisters played in the garden with children of the neighborhood. They laughed so much already knowing their big brothers were in bed for the afternoon.  Betty and Christiane recopied their studies, relaxing in the "Carambar" with girlfriends curious and extremely amused by the childish treatment imposed on their two class mates. Their mothers made some races downtown together and while returning, in the company of Nadia discussed some matters for the night and the following day.

No pyjamas for Jean-Luc already confined to bed in a nightgown of Michel’s, only replacement clothing for the rising.  Everyone dined at 7:00pm, then evening television for everyone from 8:30pm to 11:00pm.  Then to bed at 11:30pm, 9 hours after Jean-Luc, and 11 hours after Michel were put to bed as punishment at 12:30pm.  Some impromptu visits to their room allowed their satisfied mothers and their triumphing and mocking young sisters, to make sure of their obedience and the respect of their obligatory and advantageous rest to bed. 

Both bed confined boys are released at 6:30am the next morning.  Their chamber-pots are empty.  It is a sign that they really slept very deeply.  They take a shower-bath, to get dressed and make their beds before breakfast.  They undergo at the table of course the half smiles and the stifled laughs from their two sisters.  Nadia appreciates that Jean-Luc showed himself to be obedient. She finds him in a much better mood and better rested than the other mornings.  The two mothers spent the night together in Elaine’s bed and spoke amongst themselves from then on.  

E:  “That proves that your son should go to bed as early as mine, isn't, Nadia?  It is effective and advantageous for all boys of this age, in full growth, pretentious and not yet wet behind the ears.  I am sure that what is good for Michel is also for Jean-Luc.”  

N:  “It is true, darling.  You slept like a baby until this morning.  That shows that you require more sleep and that one was right to put you to bed immediately yesterday afternoon.  It was not awkward for you, since you made sleep almost immediately and that you neither of you awoke in the afternoon nor night.”  

JL: “But I could not leave with the others and I missed my play on the television. Throughout all that, I did not deserve to be punished like Michel!”  

N:  “No worse, nor so better! I prefer that you are confined in bed to get your rest, instead of drifting outside with those I do not know which to make I know what or to tire you for a whole evening for no significance in front of a television screen!”

JL: “But Gaëlle and Viviane they could? And they are still little girls.”

G:  “Don’t kid yourself, big baby!”  

V:  “He is jealous!  He is jealous!”   

N: “Yes! You are jealous. I’m sorry that Michel and you were in bed while the girls and the others appreciated their day. This should not cause you to be resentful. I did not say that you were not upset for a boy of 16 years to be already undressed and into bed for a full day, whereas children much younger than you are still gathered together for countless hours.  I only said that this is not awkward since you were resting and that you slept during this time. Understand?”  

E:  “Well, Nadia.  I see that we agree! This is essential to speak to a boy of this age as it is the way it is to be!”  

JL:  “Yes, mum, I understood. But they were so obliged to put me to bed for the entire afternoon and it was boring to have to remain there for the day as if I was being punished! Even more Betty and Christiane came and saw me in bed and in a girl’s nightgown still!”  

E:  “And then?  You have shame?  This is quite normal, that is what. But it is not significant.  Michel has also shame to be in bed so early in the evening and to be spanked bottom naked and punished in bed as a baby when he is foolish and when he has does not have good grades in class.  That does not prevent me to continue to put him to bed every day after his dinner and to put him to bed as punishment each time it is needed, like yesterday afternoon.  He has whined and sniveled in vain that it is not right and that he is too old for that, but his behavior proves the opposite.  Moreover, he has only to obey me!”

Michel is satisfied to redden and lower his head.  Viviane, she approves while laughing.  

V:  “Michel is a big disobedient baby who annoys me all the time.  It is fortunate that mum punishes him when he baffles me. And fortunately he must be put to bed early for the evening.  We finally at last can have peace after he is in bed.”  

G: “Jean-Luc does the same thing with me!  It's a pity that he should not have to go to bed like your brother.  Yesterday, it was so swell to see him put to bed early. I was really satisfied!”  

N:  “I was satisfied too.”  

E:  “If I understand fully, there is only Jean-Luc himself which was not. But with the majority of the votes against him, it would be better that it is made apparent as it is already considered. What do you think about it, Nadia?  There is only the first step that counts.  He is annoyed, do you not believe?” 

N:  “Let us test.  Let us try this as you suggested yesterday evening, just to see!”  

Jean-Luc is on his guard. Michel, Viviane and Gaëlle were intrigued in mockery, Elaine and Nadia smiling.  

E: “We will speak about it again at mid-day. Everyone will lunch together here today. 

………………………………………………………………………………………………

When Michel and Jean-Luc arrive at the school, Betty and Christiane are already there, discussing with friends. They oblige the two boys while laughing sheepishly.”

B:  “Then, babies, slept well?”  

C:  “You must be well rested, I suppose.  Are your visits to bed finished?”  

B:  “Did you fold well your nightgowns and arrange them under your pillows?”  

C:  “Yes, so that you find them to turn over to sleep.  It is soon, so Michel’s young sister told us.”

Michel is red with shame and Jean-Luc of anger.  

JL: “Michel is obliged to go to bed early in the evening, but not me.”  

B:  “Too bad!  You are so nice in a yellow with stars and moons nightgown.”  

C:  “For us, if you do your studies before sleep so that one can then copy them and go out evenings with a quiet conscience, it is perfect.  You do not have to worry about us! You are very well to have to go to bed early, even at 3:00pm in the afternoon.” 

JL:  “I really do not hold to it!  Once is enough!”  

B:  “However you seemed very drowsy when we saw you in bed yesterday.” 

JL:  “I know, I had drunk something which makes me sleep.”  

C:  “It is true.  Good hot milk in a feeding-bottle!”

Everyone bursts out laughing, except the two concerned ones obviously.  Jean-Luc feels covered with shame and reddens even more.  Michel keeps his obstinately head lowered.  Betty points out to him.

B:  “I see that you are acting as you did yesterday in bed.  You try to make yourself forget. It is you however who was punished to have quarreled with your young sister.  It was because of you that Jean-Luc was put to bed also early in the afternoon.”  

M:  “It is not I that required it.  It is my sister who wanted it, and mother also agreed.  And then yesterday, I really slept when you both came in my room.  I did not hear you.  Moreover, as I was in punishment, I already had been put to bed two hours before Jean-Luc.” 

C: “Here are your books, big babies.  Thank you very much.  You worked well.  Thanks to you, we could leave earlier and gained a great deal of time. You amused us well, and you also made our girlfriends laugh in the "Carambar", when we told them that two big boys of your age were punished to bed in nightgowns for the afternoon and were obliged to sleep after a feeding-bottle until the next morning!” 

JL: “It is not my fault.”  

M: “Nor mine.  It is because of my sister, this small plague!”  

B:  “You, you were not in bed by chance!  Your mother had punished you!  That would not have taken place if you were nicer with your younger sister.  Well done for you!?  In any event you were both perfectly ridiculous. Darling and ridiculous!  In any case, I do not regret having seen that.” 

C:  “Oh, me neither!  It is true that they were ridiculous and ashamed for big boys as them to be confined to bed in a full day with a light girl’s nightdress, but I found them especially nice. They were ravishing in their small nightgowns in pastel colors and touching in their pretty pink sheets. I still see them as if they were there and I prefer them in bed like yesterday rather than allowed up and dressed as they are right now. I hope that it is provisional.  They are much more interesting and pleasant to see in bed!” 

B: “Mmm Yes! Finally I agree. To see them undressed and asleep punished in bed and both of us upright and close to them. It was rather pleasant and even exciting enough!”  

C:  “What I understood, Michel will soon return to bed!”  

M:  “Only this evening!”  

C:  “This evening, actually, it is immediately after your dinner.  That is what your young sister explained to us.”  

B:  “And sometimes even before. At what time you do dine?”  

M: “Mmmmh?  That depends uh, depends on my studies.  Towards 5:00pm!”

B:  “Ooooh?  5:00pm? It is really late for a big baby like you!  Your mum is generous with you!  You generally have the time to do your studies before sleep!”

C:  “And when you do not have studies?”  

M:  “Normally also after dining.”  

B:  “Always?” 

M:  “No. Sometimes I must go to bed and sleep immediately after returning from school.”  

B:  “Without dinner?”  

M: “Without dinner as yesterday.”  

C:  “Why so early?”  

M:  “When I am punished and when my mother arranges to go out earlier or to receive guests.” 

B:  “Your mum really takes good care of her big baby!  She knows how to do it fortunately. You are lucky! Rest, uniform hours and not being allowed to do any stupid things like that. The courses will start.  It is necessary to go to class.  We’ll meet at the table again at noon.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………

E:  “I hope that your two friends returned your books to you?”  

M: “Yes, mum! They also thanked us.”  

G:  “They also had to make fun of you, I imagine.  When they left yesterday, they had died of laughing to have seen two big childish fools as you already secured in bed at 3:00pm in the afternoon!”  

JL:  “Oh, they were not as malicious as that.  They were especially curious.  They asked us questions.  It is necessary soon to return to class.”  

It is the moment for their mothers to give instructions to the two boys.  

N:  “My big boy, you will remain this evening with Michel.  You will return with him after school. Viviane will come to our place with Gaëlle.  You, while you are at her place, will obey Elaine.  You will do what she will say to you, as when she says it to you.  I spoke about it with her and we agree entirely.”

E:  “I think that it is clear, isn't that right Jean-Luc?  Then, you will return here with Michel directly after class.  Directly, understood?  Then into nightdress and bed immediately!”

M:  “Me too?” 

E:  “Obviously, you big silly boy! You are the eldest one and the host of your friend.  You must set an example for him.  You would not like it that he goes to bed before you, all the same!  I want you undressed and in bed by 3:30pm! Both of you!  If only one of you is late, you will be punished together, in bed all day Saturday and Sunday, with a good smacked naked bottom for each one!”  

V: “Oh, yes, mum. Yes! Cheer!”  

G:  “I agree also. I approve.”  

E:  “You heard?  The girls agree.  I do not ask you make such a concern of it, only to obey, and for this evening, once in bed, studies, dinner and feeding-bottle, then sleep.  Bedtime is at 5:00pm at the latest.”  

N:  “5:00pm! You see, my darling.  It is not so terrible.”  

JL:  “It is nevertheless much too early!  5:00pm! Nobody has to sleep that early!  And even less to be already in bed at 3:30pm in the afternoon.”  

N:  “Yesterday you were in bed at 2:30pm and that passed very well!  You slept like a baby until this morning!  And then you had the company of Michel.  You will have to go to bed and sleep at the same time.  It is not so hard if you were the only one in bed.” 

JL: “Yes, but?” 

E:  “It is enough, now!  You will do what your mum and I have decided, if not?”  

V:  “Yes, Smack, smack on your botty and into bed all the weekend!” 

E:  “Perfect!  Viviane is right!”  

N:  “You see, cherished!  You had better calm down and obey nicely.  Or then, in addition to going to bed a little earlier than usual, you will be punished.” 

JL:  “A little earlier? At 3:30pm in the full afternoon?”

His mother slaps him round trip on both cheeks.  

N:  “Little impertinent!  Keep silent yourself and obey, agreed?” 

G:  “Well done!”  

JL: “Yes in agreement!”  

N:  “You promise?” 

JL: “Yes, mama? I promise it!”  

N:  “Well.  It is the hour to return to class.  I will not be there on your return, so Elaine will put to you to bed and make you sleep.”

She gives him a kiss and cherishes his cheek.  She continues.  

N:  “Here my darling.  Be a nice fellow.  Work well at school and do your studies before sleep.  You two, with Michel, will undoubtedly have finished more quickly.  I say to you good night already. I am sure that you will sleep like an angel until tomorrow.  Do not discuss it if his mum makes you dine and sleep a little in advance.  In all case, you will be already in bed, and then it will not matter. And say goodbye to Viviane and to your young sister. They will come on our premises after school.”  

G:  “Yes, but we will not go to bed after returning!  We will have fun together.  One will be able to use your electronic plays while you are lying there in nightgown. And then, you know what there is on television this evening? "Columbo"!  And you will be fuming needlessly of not being able to watch it because you must already be asleep for a long time before it begins. And like yesterday evening, you will miss your play as well. By the way, pity for you, it was enthralling. Poor baby!  Lastly, it is so much better for you.  Make a good long sleep in your new bed!”

V:  “Good-bye and good night, baby Jean-Luc!  Make beautiful dreams.  If you are quite wise, perhaps that you will be able to remain up for at least one moment during the weekend!  I forgot my big brother.  Goodbye and good sleep also, baby Michel!”  

The two boys grumble a vague "goodbye" with their mocking young sisters who leave while running and laughing in good spirit. They are still turned around to make a sign of ridicule of the hand.  Michel and Jean-Luc return to school, strongly opposed to the agenda that awaits them in two small hours.  

JL: “This is really boring.  In bed by 3:30pm! Do you realize?”

M:  “And how, that I realize!  Believe me, I know what it is.  I am obliged to go there more and more often!  Twice in the last week and last Monday!  And yesterday you were in bed as a punishment at 12:30pm. Moreover, still this afternoon.  I find that mum exaggerates for some time.”  

JL:  “You do not speak to her about it?”

M:  “She makes fun of me when I complain.  She says that I snivel like a baby and that I thus prove that it is right to put me to bed like a baby.  Finally, I am well obliged to obey her. I am her son. I live at home and she has the authority. She is not deprived to point out it to me!  Thus?”  

JL:  “You cannot do anything?”

M:  “No! And you could not do anything either if your mother decided in turn to put to you to bed early as often as mine.  Moreover, I believe that it is what they decided together.  They initially wanted you to remain on our premises, since it is already the practice for me for a long time.”  

JL: “I hope not!  Perhaps that it is only one exchange; Viviane staying at our premises and me on your premise.  And it is simply because your mother puts you early to bed that I must also go there, like yesterday.  You have just said that she had lately put you to bed several times immediately after school.  Therefore, today, it is no exception.

M:  “It is true.  Especially that I was punished yesterday afternoon.  She often sends me to bed early shortly after a punishment.”  

JL:  “Good.  That reassures me.  I will go to bed more willingly at present.”  

M:  “Therefore it is a lot better for you and me also to improve. I risk less that I am punished because of you, if you would disobey and protest to an extreme. Mum does not support that and I do not want to spend all the next weekend in bed as a punishment.  For today, in any event one will have to go to bed after returning.  One would not improve anything if he as much creates other problems and would not remain up a minute more.” 

JL: “I agree! I understood.  I will obey without protesting, so that you will not be punished because of me.” 

M: “I prefer that.  I grieve for you, but nothing more. I am like you, I would like to go to bed later, but it is not me that decides.” 

JL:  “You always had to go to bed so early?”

M:  “Since I began primary school, yes.  At six years of age.  I had to go to bed immediately after dining. I ate in a nightdress and then directly to bed and obliged to sleep immediately.”  

JL:  “While growing up, did you have permission to sleep later?”  

M:  “Not, never, on the contrary.  When my sister arrived, mum had less time to deal with and to supervise me.  She preferred to put me to bed earlier, and with me in bed, she did not have to be concerned about me, so she could deal with Viviane. When my sister started her course of dance and music after school, she had to dine later, after returning.  Mum often accompanied her because of the distance.  She then decided it would be the case, to make me dine and go to bed before she left.  It is there that I started to be prepared for the night from 5:00pm and even earlier!”

JL: “Thus you must go to bed even earlier than 6:00pm?”

M:  “Generally, yes.  Before I dined around 6:00pm and I was in bed at 7:00pm approximately, at some of the times a little earlier, other times a little later.  Today, I must generally dine before mum and Viviane because of the activities of my sister, and I am obliged to go to sleep immediately afterwards.  In this manner, they do not have to be concerned any more with me for the remainder of the evening and can do what they want, together or separately.”  

One will go to class for the courses of the afternoon.  The boys are again welcomed with mockeries.

B:  “Here you here.  You are not yet in bed?”  

C:  “It is true!  How is this possible?  You have to go at 3:00pm in the afternoon of course?” 

JL:  “Oh, no.  Not so.  3:30pm!” 

One laughs at his counterpart which one takes for a joke, but Betty has a doubt.  She tries to measure the boys continuously on the same tone.  

B:  “One would say that it was almost true. But yesterday, you were already in bed one hour earlier.  Would your mums have become so broad of ideas?”

M: “No, but as we have courses up to 3:00pm, it is initially essential to depart on time.”  

C:  “Therefore, it is true!” 

 JL: “Unfortunately, yes.”  

This time the laughter takes on more sarcasm.  They stop only because it is the hour of the first lesson of the afternoon.  It is finally 3:00pm and the courses are finished for today.  Some of the students are delighted, since there are a few studies for the following day and that time is superb.  For Michel and Jean-Luc, however, enthusiasm is moderate.  For they have only the right to go to bed for the remainder of the day. They do not have any another possibility but to decline the invitation to go with the others to a coffee bar that their friends will commence to have fun with them by ridicule. Christiane and Betty propose to accompany them "to the foot of their beds".  It is only a small detour from the swimming pool as was intended. The prospect embarrasses Michel less than Jean-Luc.  All the four however take together the way of the boys’ room.  One chatters on the way while walking quickly.  Christiane makes the remark to Michel.  

C:  “You seem to be quite in a hurry to return, by a so good of good weather.  You are bored already to sleep?”

M:  “Not, especially no!  But if one is late, the question of sleep will be quite worse for us, all the day in bed as punishment, both Saturday and Sunday. I really do not want to be held to it and Jean-Luc either, I imagine.” 

JL:  “Ah, no!!  That is enough of that!  Two days of being confined in bed since the middle of the afternoon, is already not funny.  Then a whole weekend, all of the day?”  

B:  “Most especially as I envision sunny weather for the weekend!”  

M:  “Then, with the chance that I have, I will be surely punished.”  

B:  “You believe that it is a question of chance or bad luck?  I think that it is rather because you are a big disobedient boy whose mum is obliged to treat him like a dirty kid who deserves to be put to bed early like a baby!”  

C:  “Well said, Betty!”

JL: “But for me, I do not have anything to do there.”  

B:  “You claim to be a nice fellow, or you are too big to be punished in bed for your behaviors of an unpleasant boy?”  

M:  “In any case, your sister finds that you annoy her as much as me. She said that it was well done for you yesterday, if you were already in bed at 2:30pm in the afternoon.”  

JL:  “It is only because she is jealous that I am bigger and extremely intelligent than she.  She cannot bear to be the younger one.”

C:  “Eh well, if only for this small utterance, I would send you to bed completely for a good long time!”  

B:  “Me too!  But it is not necessary.  We arrive.  Our so strong and intelligent big boys will be able to put their nightgowns on and go to sleep immediately.  In this manner, the babies will not have to be present with the young girls. They will be well with the shelter in their pink sheets and behind their closed shutters, while the little girls make their silliness of young girls between them, outside or in front of the television, and while the babies are bored and annoyed. With each one in their place, one should not at all mix.”  The sarcastic remarks of Betty are interrupted by the voice of Elaine, seated in the garden with three other women, two younger and one older.  

E:  “Here are finally those two youngsters.  I wondered whether you would be on time.”

C:  “They were accompanied so that they did not drift in way!”  

E:  “Then they can thank you.  You prevented them from being punished.  Isn't that true boys?  Now thank your friends.  And also say goodbye to them also, your beds await you.”  

M:  “Thank you girls.  Goodbye and have fun.  One will study tomorrow.”  

JL:  “Until tomorrow. We will not able to accompany you to the swimming pool.”  

C:  “Good night, boys.  You will go quickly to bed.  You will finish your studies and sleep. Fortunately, there is very little of it for tomorrow.”  

B:  “I hope that you will have all the same a good feeding-bottle before sleep.  Then, make beautiful dreams.  That is more important than the television.”  

E:  In any case, they will not have it in the least. And one needs to prepare, now. Do you go to the swimming pool soon?” 

C:  “Yes.  We will move swiftly ourselves in water while they will move swiftly to get in their sheets.”

E:  “It is well.  Thus, each one has the place that he/she deserves. Goodbye girls, enjoy bathing and good evening. As for you two babies, say hello to Janine, Helene and Sylvie, and slide into bed!  They will come up a little later to say good night, when I go up to make you sleep. The almost confined to bed boys greet the three guests politely in amusement and very much surprised of their destination.” 

 J:  “Hello?  For you, so that I understood, the day is already finished yet?”

M:  “Yes, Madam.  We must go to bed immediately; do our studies in bed and sleep.”  

H:  “You must be quite unpleasant boys to deserve to be sent to bed like that, in a normal afternoon.”  

M:  “I quarreled yesterday with my young sister.”

H:  “And you, Jean-Luc, What did you do?”

JL:  “I am not punished.  I must only go to the bed at the same time as Michel because I sleep in his room.”  

S:  “Ah you are his guest! It is true that it is necessary to respect the practices and the rules of his hosts.” 

E:  “His mum is my friend and she entrusted him to me for a few days.  He will benefit from it and I will instill upon him some improved principles made to order for a boy of his age. I do not find him not disciplined or regulated enough, and not rested enough. His mum also thinks that, as she appreciates my way of educating Michel.”

The boys excuse themselves and go up to their room.  They remain however for a moment still the center of conversation. 

J:  “An outward journey to bed early is appropriate to the training?”  

E:  “Absolutely.  Believe me, it is effective. It is preventive as much as repressive. It is repressive, because they hate to be punished in bed.  They have to be undressed and be put to bed early in shame, in view of younger kids familiar to them. They cannot do silly things or get together with bad influences. It is time to check where are two big babies are. Michel?”  It is Jean-Luc who answers at the window of their room, just above the garden where the four women are seated around tea and cakes. 

JL:  “Michel is in the toilet.” 

E:  “I hope that he is already undressed, at least.”  

JL:  “Yes.  He is ready.  He wears a nightdress.” 

E:  “And you?  Show yourself a little better, so I can see that you have your nightgown on. You do not have to hide yourself; you already said that it was ravishing and that you were nice with it.  I am sure that my friends are of the same opinion.”

The three guests approve while laughing.”  

E:  “Well you go to bed now.  I will come up in half an hour to bring to you something to eat. By then, you will have finished your studies.”

JL:  “Half an hour is not very long. I believed that we had up to 5:00pm.”

E:  “5:00pm was the latest, but earliest is best!  Your friends said that you had to make very little for tomorrow. Then you clearly will not continue to discuss this. I do not want you to waste time, so into bed and work!”

JL:  “Yes, immediately.”

He is withdrawn. He hears her in the garden speak with her friends about training. The guests of Elaine are at the same time surprised, admiring and are charmed by the situation.  

H:  “Eh it is good to see two boys of this age obey and go to bed at 3:00pm. Do many mothers envy you?”  

S:  “It is true.  How do you do it?”  

E:  “It is a question of authority, tone and consequence.  The stricter the rules are, the easier it is to make them respect.  One should never yield, on the contrary.  Even if I am sometimes too severe when I punished Michel wrongfully, I never change my opinion.  I never reduce a measure that I took, especially if it persists. In this case, I am rather accustomed to making it better and, if he protests too much, I put him to bed even earlier and for a longer time. It is rather a deterrent.”  

S: “I imagine.”  

J:  “Indeed.  I would not like to be obliged to go so early either.”  

H:  “Me neither!  I imagine that for boys like Michel and Jean-Luc it must be even more difficult. In their place, I would be truly ashamed to be put to bed like babies of 17 or 18 years.  And in a nightgown moreover, that one has just seen!” 

J:  “It is true.  Do you also oblige them to go to bed? In my opinion I present myself poorly to make boys do that for themselves.”  

E:  “Michel has always slept in a nightdress. I never allowed him pyjamas.  Today, at his age, one finds some for boys, but those for girls are very well, as you saw!  They are much prettier on them and comfortable in bed than dreadful pyjamas.  Michel does not want to acknowledge it, but I know that he prefers them too.” 

J:  “His friend too?”  

E:  “Oh, for Jean-Luc it is very recent.  His mother and I put him to bed early yesterday afternoon for the first time, with Michel who was already in bed as punishment.  I lent him a nightdress of my son’s, as it was too small for him.  He is one year older than Jean-Luc.  

H:  “Do they wear briefs below?”  

E:  “Of course not.  They must be naked on the bottom.  It is why they are more pleasant than pyjamas, and nicer!  They do not have anything other than their nightdress on while they are consigned to the bed.  Their other clothing is under key.  They would be much more constrained to rise without permission to be shown in a very short nightgown than in pyjamas!”  

S:  “It is true. They surely prefer to remain discreet in bed instead of ridiculing themselves in front of the others.”  

J:  “Especially if the others are friends or children younger than them.”  

S:  “Or of the girls!”  

E:  “You are right.  They do not appreciate that completely!  Yesterday afternoon, for example, it was their younger sisters who made them sleep after their feeding-bottles.”  

S:  “Feeding-bottles?”  

E:  “Yes.  It is much more practical for drinking in bed.  And it has a better flow, even for big babies like Michel and Jean-Luc. Jean-Luc was particularly embarrassed to have had to drink from the feeding-bottle and also be prepared to sleep by his young sister and that of Michel.  Michel is always opposed, but he has plenty of practice already.  He is always put to bed and obliged to sleep well before Viviane.  Moreover, he is often spanked bare bottom and punished in bed because he is not nice to her.  When it is she that brings to him his dinner or feeding-bottle once in bed, and closes his blinds and draws his curtains so that he sleeps, he is very upset. She does not deprive herself to make fun of him, especially if he is punished because of her and she is in the company of a girlfriend.  She tucks him in and embraces him before wishing him good night while it still daylight, whereas she can remain up, go outside, play with her friends and watch television. That upsets him very, very much!”  

H:  “I understand it.  I would also be upset in his place.  But I find that you are right.  You look after yourself and you look after him too!  I am sure that does a lot of good for him to rest longer and to sleep earlier.”

J:  “It is critical at his age.”   

E:  “Oh, with Michel, I did not wait until he is 18 years old!  I always put him to bed early, immediately after dining, and I always bed punished him.  I spank his buttocks also, but to stay in bed is more advantageous, for him, his young sister and me!”

S:  “Since he has to go to bed early, what time does he go? 3:30pm as today?”  

E:  “Not every day! For a long time, we dined around 6:00pm and he had to sleep at 7:00pm.” 

J:  “At his age, you made him sleep later?”

E:  “Not at all, on the contrary.  Viviane has to get ready for dance and swimming.  She has to be driven after school.  She returns sometimes later to dine and I as well like to accompany her, especially to the swimming pool.  In this case, I give dinner earlier to Michel and I put him to bed immediately and to save time, I generally make him dine in his nightdress and in bed.  Generally he must sleep around 5:30PM or 6:00PM.”

S:  “Every evening?”  

E:  “Yes all of the days.”  

S:  “Even on the weekend? 

E:  “Oh, the weekend his bedtime it is not so regular.  If he is punished, he remains in bed all of the day, on both Saturday and Sunday, and he must sleep for the night already after lunch. If he were well obedient and if he worked well during the entire week, I sometimes allow him to look at one moment of television on Saturday evening.  On the other hand on Sunday, I like to put him to bed earlier than during the week and to make him sleep after a feeding-bottle and without dinner.  Moreover, if I have guests, I prefer also to put him to bed beforehand. I do not feel compelled by a moral obligation and I don’t have to be at all concerned and avoid these tiresome quarrels in the company of his young sister.” 

S:  “And do you plan to soften this schedule?”  

E:  “Oh, no not for the world! As long as he will not be 21 years old, he remains under my responsibility and my authority, unless he continues to live at home, then he will continue to go to bed early and in punishment.” 

H:  “Do you allow him to read before sleeping?”  

E:  “When I put him to bed by day without being punished and if he does not have any more school duties, he can read or listen to the radio until dinner.  But once that he has eaten and drinks his feeding-bottle, it is immediate sleep at any hour. His blinds are lowered, his curtains drawn and the light extinguished.”  

J:  “And you are sure that he obeys?”  

E: “I installed a monitor, you know, the one that allows you to hear what occurs in a room of a child.  If he makes noise, one hears it downstairs and he knows that he will be punished.  Moreover, his sister or I from time to time check on him to see that he sleeps.. And I put mélatonine in his feeding-bottle of milk, which helps him sleep.  It is natural and very effective. With that, he easily makes a turn in bed without awakening, and even more.” 

 J:  “Therefore, he always obeys?” 

E:  “The last time where he disobeyed, it was during the holidays, one early afternoon after lunch when I put him to bed as punishment because he had not arranged his room.  After I had left with Viviane and he wanted to benefit from it.  There was a noise while returning, without him knowing it. While going up, I found his radio under his bed, along with a comic strip!  He was entitled to a good smacking bare bottom in front of Viviane and several of her girlfriends, and then he had to remain in the corner in his nightdress for one hour and put him straight to bed for 10 days. Since then, he did disobey any more.”  

S:  “In his place, I would obey too!”  

E:  “Eh well, let us see whether Jean-Luc and also Michel obeyed me today.  I will prepare and bring their afternoon snack to them in bed.  I hope for them that they will have done their studies well and indeed finished them. As it was made known by Christiane and Betty, it was a little thing, a repetition of German vocabulary.  By questioning their respective bed confined pals mutually, they saved time and knew their lesson at the end of fifteen minutes.  Jean-Luc had sat up, supported with his pillows, while Michel had remained stretched, leaning on the elbow of his right arm.  They had already closed their books when Elaine and her guests entered the room of the studious pupils so precociously confined to bed.  These ladies arrive while laughing wholeheartedly and while joking by the way "these young people are obeying in their nice pink sheets their girlish nightdresses.” 

J: “If I had a boy of your age, I would like him to obey his mum as well and, especially, that I can put him as early to bed as you.”

H: “I have one of them, but he would be too ashamed to be obliged to be put to bed like a baby and he would already find it completely ridiculous to be in bed at this hour and in nightgown, moreover!” 

S: “I have a ten year old girl who would be of the same opinion, especially for boys like you.  But the fact remains that I find that Elaine is right.”  

E:  “I do too. They are indeed ridiculous and ashamed, which it is quite normal.  But that does not change anything. Ashamed and ridiculous or not, they already wear a nightdress and are in bed. Then, youngsters did you do your work well?” 

M:  “Yes, mum, we revised all our German lessons.”  

JL: “Yes, Madam.  We questioned each other.”  

E:  “Very well.  That prevents me from punishing you and will enable you to sleep a little earlier.  You surely need some.”  

JL: “I am not tired, especially while sleeping so early already yesterday.”  

E:  “No need to be tired to have to go to bed early.  In any event, that does you a lot of good even if that annoys you a great deal. Be aware that if I did not compel you to undress and go to bed early, you would not do it.” 

JL: “Ah no then!”  

M:  “Me neither!”  

E:  “You see. Thus I am right. And then, in the judgment of your friends, you are compelled to go to bed earlier, it is not you who decides that. They are less ashamed for you all the same.”

JL: “The others make fun of us all the same.” 

J:  “Oh, it is not so serious! It is only necessary to let them comment.”

S:  “And laughter! It is unusual to be undressed and be put to bed so early at your age than at theirs. In your place, they would have shame and would feel ridiculous.  That is why they make fun of you.  And the more you are ashamed and how you react to their mockeries, the more they will make fun of you.  It is best is to explain to them that you simply obey your mums. You do not like it but they have the right to put you to bed as much and as early as they wish. You are well obliged to obey them, moreover!” 

J:  “We are very pleasant with you.  We bring your afternoon snack to you in bed; a bowl of porridge and a feeding-bottle of good milk for each one.” 

E:  “We will help you to sit up.”

They rest against their pillows propped up with the assistance of hastened visitors who discover by light how their nightgowns are, thus better for confined to bed boys.  

H:  “I acknowledge that it is a revelation. Your small nightdresses suit you as well as to girls, and perhaps even better!”  

E:  “Do not compliment them to much, for that will make them even more pretentious!” 

J:  “But that can make them appreciate to be in bed like babies.”  

E:  “If that were the case, they might like to be put to bed all the day, then how could I punish them in the future?”  

JL:  “For me no risks!”  

M:  “For me neither!”  

E:  “Perfect, bed punished boys! And then, yum yum and sleep!”  

S:  “Could we help to give them their meal?”

E:  “They are babies, but big babies.  They are able to eat porridge and drink from their feeding-bottles by themselves.”  

S:  “But would that please me.” 

J:  “Me too.” 

E:  “As you wish. Helene and I will return in ten minutes to make sleep for our two babies in bed.”

Janine sat down at the edge of Michel’s bed and attaches a baby’s bib around his neck.  Sylvie settles down at the bedside of Jean-Luc and in fact does the same to him.  

S:  “It is to better protect your so nice small nightdress.  It would be a pity to dirty it.” 

E:  “And not only for the nightdress, also for him.  That would be worth a smacking and a weekend of bed punishment, and for Michel too.”  

Elaine and Helene both depart. Bowls and feeding-bottles are deposited on each night table.  The window is opened wide and the sun of this beautiful afternoon floods the room of the two boys.  Michel’s bed is directly enlightened.  

J:  “Oh, you have the light in the eyes!  I will move to hide it a little. Is it better?” 

M:  “Yes.  Thank you Madam.” 

J:  “Open your mouth! Very well you!”

S:  “Hold Jean-Luc, good porridge before the bottle. One spoonful for mama, one spoonful for your young sister, I beg your pardon but what is her name?”

JL: “Her name is Gaëlle, Madam.”

S:  “A spoonful for Gaëlle, a spoonful for Elaine. One can ask some questions between two mouthfuls.”  

S:  “Is it new for you, young man to be already put to bed in the afternoon?” 

JL: “The second time since yesterday.”  

S:  “I suppose that annoys you a little.”  

JL: “Not only a little!”  

S:  “However, I find that you are very well like that in bed and in nightgown.”  

JL: “Personally, I would prefer being up, dressed and out with my friends from class and able to look at television this evening.”  

S:  “It would be a pity! I would not have sat at the edge of your bed to give you porridge with the spoon. Do you not appreciate that?”

The skirt of the visitor went up on her naked thighs.  Jean-Luc noticed and Sylvie observed that he also had noticed. She smiles. 

S:  “You see! To be already in bed he has also charm. He reddens like a peony in his pink sheets and above his pillows of pink and white.”  

S:  “Very well.  You match here with your bed linen!”  

Michel swallows the spoonfuls of porridge on his side that Janine gives him.  

J:  “You seem less opposed than Jean-Luc, isn't this so, Michel?”  

M:  “It is because I am accustomed to being in bed early.  But I am like him, I would like to be able to go out and go to bed much, much later.” 

J:  “But is she not all the same obliged to put you to bed early every day?”

M: “Fortunately not!  In theory it is only when I am punished.  Usually mum puts me to bed after dining.”  

J:  “Well you see!  It is reasonable.”  

M:  “In the beginning, yes. It was at 7:00pm.  But, now, mum makes me dine earlier and I am almost always tucked in for the night between 5:00pm and 6:00pm.”

J:  “It is not so terrible. The earlier you sleep is in all likelihood an advantage for Elaine. 

Thus you do not have reason to feel sorry for yourself.” 

M:  “It is for that reason moreover, mum often puts me to bed as punishment, sometimes all of the afternoon or all of the day.”  

J:  “She would not have to punish you if you were more obedient and reasonable.  You do not have shame at your age that one is still obliged to spank and put you to bed as punishment?”  

M:  “Generally, it is because of my sister.  She provokes me, and when I reply she cries and mum puts me to bed straight away. Sometimes she blames me for something that I did not do. Mum always believes her and puts me to bed as punishment.”  

J:  “Oh the poor big brother who is punished in bed because of his small sister who is ten years old younger than him!  You do not have any shame to justify your actions in this manner. This is a reaction of a small kid.  I understand why your mum spanks your buttocks and put you to bed like a baby, and why she makes you wear a feminine nightdress and why that suits you so well.  You do not act your age.”

He also reddens without replying to her.

 J:  “Well.  His bowl is finished and now your feeding-bottle!”  

They suck their teats confined to bed, while the improvised baby-sitters Helene and Elaine are waiting under their window above the garden.

E:  “Where are our babies?”  

S:  “They ate all their porridge.”

J:  “And now, they drink their milk.”  

E:  “Well, as soon as they finish, they will wash their teeth and make their needs. I will come up to make them sleep immediately. See that Jean-Luc does not forget to take my chamber-pot for the night!”  

J:  “You heard boys?”  

M:  “Yes, Madam.  I am finished and I now go to the bathroom.”  

Michel puts back his feeding-bottle on his night table, pushes back his cover and leaves his bed temporarily in his nightgown of white and pink.  

J:  “Ooooh!  Absolutely ravishing! Frankly I prefer you this way than fully clothed. By seeing you in your nightdress, I agree with your mum.”  

He obscures himself without anything to say while Jean-Luc swallows his last mouthful.  He hesitates to rise in the presence of the two visitors.  

S:  “Let us go, young man.  It is necessary to obey Elaine.  Quickly wash your teeth and go to the toilet.”  

J: “Do not forget the dirt of day! He is resigned to leave his sheets despite the fact he is drawing attention to his bottom from under his short nightgown, to the great amusement of the two women.  

J:  “You will not obstruct for us! You are as nice as your friend. You make me want to spank your naughty bottom. If I were your mum, I believe that I would do it!”  

Elaine and Helene arrive on the floor while Michel moves over to the bed, followed by Jean-Luc.  The three visitors burst of laughing at the sight of two boys, walking with heads bowed in their short girls nightdresses and each holding a chamber-pot.  Jean-Luc is embarrassed even more than Michel, because of the shortness of his childish nightgown of pale yellow as he tries to cover himself awkwardly with his free hand.  The boys slip again into their sheets.  Sylvie tucks Jean-Luc in bed and fluffs his pillows.  Janine does the same for Michel. Helene gathers empty feeding-bottles and bowls.  After having lit the bedside lamp of Jean-Luc, Elaine lowers the blinds and closes the curtains, then turns on the child monitor.  She orders both bed confined boys to prepare for sleep immediately.  She wishes them a good and early night, of beautiful dreams and a soothing rest.  She threatens them with a good smacked naked bottom and one whole weekend in bed in the event of disobedience.  She finally allows them to sleep for the night at 4:00pm in the early afternoon, extinguishing their lamp, in darkness, the door closed and locked. They have only a moment to hear the four women laugh about them in the garden before descending into a peaceful, deep sleep.