A Small Lie That Won't Die

I know it's silly to confess such a tiny thing, but I just can't shake this guilt. Last week, I told my partner that I had to work late at the office when really, I was out seeing an old friend from college. It wasn't even anything big or scandalous, we went for coffee and caught up on old times. But now it feels like a mountain hanging over me. Why can't I just come clean? I mean, she wouldn't have minded if I said no to dinner plans that night, right? I should be more straightforward with her. On the other hand, this little fib did save my sanity, avoiding a stressful argument at home for one day was worth it. Now here I am, thinking about all of this and feeling like an absolute child. Maybe I just need to breathe easier and own up to it someday.