Maya stood with her arms crossed, a stern look on her face as she eyed the cookie jar, now conspicuously lighter than it had been that morning. Her younger brother, Leo, sat at the kitchen table, his eyes wide with feigned innocence.
"Leo, do you have something to tell me?" she asked, tapping her foot.
"I might have taken a few," Leo admitted sheepishly, a small grin creeping onto his face.
Maya, determined to teach Leo a lesson, pondered a playful punishment. Her eyes twinkled with a mix of authority and affection as an idea formed in her mind.
"Alright, young man. I think it's time for you to face the consequences," she declared, trying to suppress a smile.
Maya gently tied Leo’s hands with a soft scarf, ensuring it was loose enough to be comfortable. Leo giggled nervously, unsure of what was to come.
"Now, for your punishment," she said, grinning as she unleashed a barrage of tickles on Leo’s exposed armpits.
Leo squirmed and laughed uncontrollably, his earlier apprehension replaced with pure joy. Maya joined in his laughter, the bond between them evident in their shared amusement.
"Okay, okay! I promise not to sneak cookies again!" Leo managed to gasp between giggles.
Maya untied the scarf, her expression softening. She ruffled Leo’s hair affectionately, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Remember, Leo, it's important to ask first," she said gently.
"I will, Maya. Thanks for not being too hard on me," Leo replied, hugging her tightly.
Maya and Leo sat together at the table, sharing a quiet moment and the remaining cookies. The lesson had been learned, and the bond between them had grown a little stronger.
