It was the only way to shut her up.
It looked cruel but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
She got the message. She stopped her aimless banter, taught her brain to think before she gushed forth with words, which seemed to come in any assorted order.
We appreciated it, but I doubt she did. We’d removed her favourite pastime. She appeared listless. We watched her on Saturday mornings wandering the High Street wanting to chat to everyone but now offering little more than a polite nod as she passed by.
There was no getting away from the humiliation. The branks was designed to humiliate and it did. It taught her a lesson.
We took it off after a week and she was so crushed she swore at everyone there and retreated to her hut and wasn’t seen for several weeks.
Written for: https://crispinakemp.com/2022/02/09/crimsons-creative-challenge-170/
Morpethroad 
good to see a post from you Michael. Keep safe.
Thanks Di, doing my best.
I had to look up branks. Made your story rather scary knowing it could have happened once upon a time.
The whole concept of a scold’s bridle ( branks) is scary in itself that many women in the past were subjected to it.
A sad way to treat someone. Great story Micheal.
Thanks so much Sadje. Just where my mind went.
You’re welcome! I was at a standstill so I didn’t write
As a compulsive talker, I really felt for her. Oh, how terrible. And I loved the story. 🙂
I was once bet I couldn’t stay quiet for an hour. I won the bet. So then the bet went to 2 hours. And 5 hours. And ten. Humph. 🙂
Hard to imagine any one wanting to shut you up 😀
Not my daughter’s opinion when we’re out for a hike! She much enjoys the second half, after lunch. I’m quieter then
Well you need to let your lunch settle
Yea. 🙂