She knew her truthful answer was incorrect
knew from the question’s deliberate lilt
what was required
so she said no, she did not
smiled reassuringly
sorted her limbs into posture
of careless dismissal
no

but now, after dinner
thinking back
she is annoyed
at the lies
demanded

because of course she does

she calls the dog
loops the thickness
of the slip-knot rope
around its neck
lets the length slide
against her palm
until the handle settles
against her skin
brings the yearning
up short

she opens the door
steps tethered
into the ritual
of the evening’s walk

of course she does
she wouldn’t know

how to not

.