Caught Red-Handed

Woke up late, rushed through breakfast. Kid looked at me with those big eyes, pleading for attention. Couldn't resist his pout, took him to the park instead of work. Lost track of time, missed a deadline. Boss called, threatened termination. Came home, kid sensed tension, tried to comfort but it just made things worse. Handed him a spanking paddle as he knelt before me, whispered 'It's for your own good.' He accepted without question, head down, taking the brunt of my frustration. Didn't feel better, though. Not even close.