The lie…
A short story…
He hung up the phone. Did not slammed it but carefully placed it on its receptacle. As if not wanting to let the others know. No, he could not. There were decisions to be made and not too many options to choose from. It certainly affected his mood for the rest of the day. What was worse, he was not sure how long she’d keep it quiet.
How could it happen? Did she stop the pills? Did she lie? And for how long? This was his third marriage. The usual lie had worked on his second wife and the casual dalliances he entertained.
Everyone will be gossiping about it. Everyone in town. It would be a miracle if the news does not make the local paper, he thought. One way or another he’d had to face them all. What he thought was once safe was now threatened. He was either a liar or he was a fool.
She could not wait to tell. She, the third wife managed to do what the second or the first could not. She had him where she wanted him—in the palm of her hand. Still, she had to play it smart. Though she now had some power it seemed tenuous. She would secure access to his money, his status, and his name. That was the plan anyway.
So many before her had tried. He was not the most handsome man but he had charm and charisma. More importantly, he was the kind of man who would make a woman feel like the only one in the room. It was not only the money spent on the outing but also opening the doors before her, the hand on the small of her back gently guiding the way, the leaning closer to her if the room was too loud, and the phone call the day after. If it had been a significant event, the immense flower bouquet she would receive the next day. No, it was not easy to let it all go.
He was after all a self-made man. As a child outside of marriage, he grew up in poverty. His situation condemned him to years of hateful taunting. The town’s people laughed at and reserved the worst for him. There was no financial support so he had to cut sugar cane to help his mother’s small sewing business. His daily walks to school were difficult. His shoes had holes covered with cardboard. His father did not recognize him until he turned 18. It was a hard childhood. But he was determined to make himself. From being the pariah he became the “don” everyone wanted money from, he became a name, and someone to be respected and feared.
Yes, she thought, she had to play it smart from this point on.
He was still deliberating. There was not anyone to confide in. Confiding in someone would be the same as telling everyone. The news, whichever way it went, would not be good for his reputation. Which would be worse to recover from, he wondered? And yet, could he really walk away?
She saw me that day and told me the secret. She said to me “my name is good enough to raise the child.” I had no idea what to say or how to react. But it dawned on me. Suddenly I had a clearer picture of their problem. Still, I had no suggestions or thoughts. I was numb. How could she put me in this spot?
Yes, the choices weren’t great. Neither were the motives. Still leaving a child fatherless to not come across as being cheated on seemed selfish and callous. Coming out and publicly admitting to the lie he spread was also selfish. Who would trust him from now on?
The day was coming to an end and the clock was still ticking…
Alma
P.S. Two things
My presentation will be next Friday, November 21st, at 6:00 pm US Central time. Here is the link and passcodes. I would love to see you all there.
Meet the Artist: Alma Hoffmann
Friday November 21, 6:00 pm US Central
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5211123532?pwd=go0LM505iLbgM5THWSQouKQIQmbO50.1&omn=84167551078
Meeting ID: 521 112 3532
Passcode: 2116132171I love Sticker Mule’s new Giveaway platform! I am thinking of uploading this artwork below because it would make a great sticker and t-shirt. What do you think?
© Alma Hoffmann, 2025.
