Cheater

It felt like eternity had passed while I debated whether or not to make my next Scrabble word ‘heater’ or ‘cheater’. The second option was particularly daring and out of character for me, but I had been wanting to confront you for days now. This felt like an easy way to gauge your reaction, if I could only muster up the confidence to play the right word during our lazy Sunday Scrabble game. At least you never cheated at those games. I avoided your gaze while I put the tiles down, playing off your last word ‘mask’. My hand wavered over the ‘c’ tile but I forced it into my grip without a second thought. I had to know. The word ‘cheater’ sat there between us and then you met my eyes. A silent understanding was exchanged and then you sobbed an apology, confirming my deep fear. I guess this is our last Sunday Scrabble game, and this time we both lost.