The Secret Night Shift

After my divorce, I started working night shifts at this diner to clear my mind, thinking it’d keep me from spiraling. One night, an old friend came in for dinner, and out of nowhere, I lied that I was still married. It felt like a shield against the pity looks, but now I can’t shake feeling like a fraud. Each day is a reminder that I’ve been keeping this secret, each night wondering why I keep pretending.