Cover it Up
It used to kill Diana when Gabe would leave her. She'd break down and cry and beg him not to go. And Gabe hated that, seeing how upset his mom got.
So he started lying to her, hoping it would make things more pleasant for her. It would rip him apart, to know that he was keeping things from her, but the lies were easier than the truth.
So his first lie: "Um, Mom, I wish I could stay with you, but I have to… I have to go to jazz band practice." She was so excited that he was a part of this band that she let him go with barely any tears.
His second lie: "Mom, it's been great spending time with you, but I have a…key club meeting now. I'll see you when I get home." He could almost see her love for him grow as she hugged him goodbye and he walked out the door.
His third lie: "See you later, Mom. It's time for the big football game. Everyone's counting on me to win!" She didn't even protest, just smiled widely. Her son was a popular, well-liked boy. It was everything she ever dreamed of him being.
Day after day after day, the lies never got easier. But Gabe just had to tell himself: I can't tell her the truth. I can't tell her the truth.
He knew it would be the worst of all to just say what was really going on.
Mom, I can't stay with you. I'm dead.