“Well, you can if you want and I already know you smoke,” she said.

I joined her outside and reluctantly accepted the cigarette.

Smoking in front of one’s mother never feels comfortable

but I guess she needs company and comradeship.

“Thanks,” I said as she ignited her lighter.

I took a drag,

removed it, and exhaled.

Then my hand froze when I spotted the lipstick imprint around its filter.

“I’d forgotten about that,” I said.

“You were very convincing,” Mum said.

“The look on her face when I told her the truth was priceless…

she really didn’t see that coming.”