Lazy and White Lie
Lazy and White Lie The guilt had been a physical thing, a cold, leaden knot in my stomach since that text had lit up my screen at three o'clock. I’d seen it. I’d seen it. Pick up my prescription, please? You’re off today. Hubby’s message, simple, direct. The pharmacy meant lines, that particular antiseptic smell, and the bored, judging eyes of the clerks. My spring break freedom felt too precious, too newly unwrapped, to surrender to that. So I’d swiped it away. I’d pretended it never existed. Two hours later, the knot tightened. His next text arrived as I was browsing aimlessly online, my own private rebellion. Got it. It was just tough juggling it with picking up our son and the impromptu basketball with the guys. No blame. Just a fact. And that fact made me feel smaller, meaner. The lie formed automatically, a pathetic shield. Sorry! Just saw your message! My thumbs flew, betraying me. But the shield was transparent, brittle. The guilt expanded, pressing against my ribs, deman...