Helen scoffed.
“Emily has always been dramatic. A little discipline won’t hurt her. You’re overreacting.”

I stared at her, stunned.
“Kneeling in a thunderstorm is what you call ‘discipline’? Public humiliation is acceptable to you?”

Joel shrugged.
“She knew the rules. She shouldn’t have spent money.”

Emily whispered, still shaking:
“Dad, please… I don’t want this to turn into a scene…”

I knelt beside her.
“You aren’t creating problems, sweetheart. You are in a problem. And I’m getting you out.”