Little white lie

The telephone rang.

I left on the table my children's book
-the rabbit had just found the carrot-
and hurried to it.

Her sulky voice said 'hello'.
I said 'hello' in return.
She asked 'what you doing?'
'Pumping iron' I replied.
'Such a strong and man's man' she said,
'You know it's for you' I advanced.
'That's why I like you' she said,
'You'll never see me cry' I declared.

We hung up.

I went back to Toothsy Rabbit and the lost carrot.
He had just found some old decoy left by the carrot-stealing witch.

Unseen,
I let a hot little tear run down the cheek.