BEAUTIFULLY UNFAITHFULLY
I walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her narrow shoulders, pulling her frame against mine.
I kissed the top of her head, inhaling the familiar, clean scent of her shampoo.
"I am not sad, Lilibeth," I lied, my voice steady, anchoring the illusion for her sake. "I am tired, and I am stressed, but I am so proud of you, and I promise you, everything is under control."
"Fine," she murmured into my shoulder, finally wrapping her arms around my waist for a brief, reassuring squeeze.