Bow Out Gracefully

I stood on the back deck, looking into the trees. In the silence, the outdoor world was alive with bird twitterings, squirrels frolicking, and busy ants when you looked close enough.

"Oh, here you are!" called Everett. "What are you doing out here? The party's inside," he joked.

"I needed to think."

"About what?"

"I'm going to a hotel tonight."

"Nonsense! You're my guest!"

"Listen, I don't want to upset you, and I truly appreciate your gesture, but I can't stay here tonight."

"Why not?"

"I'm uncomfortable." I paused. I really didn't want to stay, but I didn't want to hurt him either.

"We need to talk," he frowned.

I headed to my car and he followed. When we were shut safely inside I began, "Remember the woman who gave me my first gray hairs? The more I listen and watch the more red flags go up. I want to vomit."

"She is not the same person!" he argued, pointing at his girlfriend inside.

"The outcomes are the same in every scenario," I sighed.

"Outcomes?"

"We fight."

"Us, or you two?"

"Either."