She's fine

Amanda's hand flies to her neck instinctively, panic surging through her as she realizes her mistake. She glances nervously at the clock, knowing she has precious little time before she has to pick Martin up from soccer practice. Her heart pounds as she tries to think of a plausible explanation, while Abigail waits expectantly for an answer. The love-bites throb slightly, a reminder of her morning's activities that now threatens to unravel her carefully constructed façade of normalcy. Amanda's panic surges as Abigail's gaze remains fixed on the telltale marks on her neck. She opens her mouth to speak, but falters as she struggles to find the right words.

"Oh, that's nothing to worry about, sweetie. I just, uh, got a little too close to the blender while making smoothies for you and Martin." The lie feels hollow even as she speaks it, but she hopes Abigail is too young to question it.

"You should be more careful, Mommy." Abigail says, her face still clouded with concern. "I don't want you to get hurt."

Amanda forces a smile, grateful for Abigail's innocent concern even as it underscores her own guilt. "I'll be more careful next time, sweetheart. Thank you for worrying about me." She leans down to press a kiss to Abigail's forehead, breathing in the comforting scent of her daughter's shampoo. As Abigail returns to her drawing, Amanda steals another glance at the clock, anxiety gnawing at her insides. She has to get to Martin's soccer practice on time, but the thought of walking into the parking lot with these marks on display fills her with dread. Part of her wants to stay here, to hide away from the world and the mess she's made, but she knows she can't.

Amanda's hands quiver slightly as she helps Abigail gather her backpack and jacket. The love-bites pulse with a dull ache, a physical reminder of her morning's indiscretion. As she guides her daughter out to the car, she feels exposed, every parent and neighbor's gaze seeming to focus on the marks on her neck. Her heart pounds as she buckles Abigail into her car seat, acutely aware of how close she came to being caught. The drive to Martin's soccer practice is agonizing, each mile bringing her closer to the potential exposure of her secret. Amanda pulled into the crowded parking lot of the soccer complex, her heart racing as she spotted several parents she knew. She quickly angled the rearview mirror, checking once more to ensure the marks on her neck were as hidden as possible beneath her hair. Abigail chatted happily about her day, oblivious to her mother's turmoil. Amanda **** a smile, trying to mask her anxiety as she parked the car.