Four-Person Conflict by Peri Gordon, 10

Xander and Dylan have been secretly robbing the town, not even telling their respective wives, Elise and Sandra. Those wives found out, though, and told the town’s mayor. The aftermath is a mix of guilt and anger. 

Sandra didn’t regret what she did.

Elise regretted it.

Dylan felt everything was all his fault.

Xander felt pure anger with Elise and Sandra.

They deserve punishment, going around and robbing every last person in town without anyone knowing! Not even their own wives!

They have their secrets, why oh why did we have to spoil their fun? How terrible we are!

Oh, I shouldn’t have gone along with this plan; I could have assured Xander that it was unnecessary! I don’t blame the girls for telling the mayor; I’m sure I would in their shoes! Oh, how I hate this mess I’ve gotten myself into!

Those two little liars! I thought I could trust them, but there they went, snooping for our secrets! That maniacal Sandra! And her little sidekick, Elise, also known as my wife! Oh, how I hate those two now!

Oh, how traitorous we are, Xander shall never forgive me! I’m sure he hates me, all the way to the core! My darling! Now my nemesis!

Oh, how my Sandra will be ashamed of me! She has complete right to be flaming mad at us! I shouldn’t have gone along with Xander’s plan, oh, how I shouldn’t have!

I can’t believe they didn’t tell us! We’re their wives! Wives of robbers without knowing it! Wives of criminals!

Those traitors! Those double-crossing traitors! I’ll never speak to them again, not if I can help it! Those traitors! Those traitorous fools!