I didn’t take Chewie out to do his business after his breakfast. I had plenty of excuses ready. But the honest answer is I just didn’t have the mental energy to deal with him barking and running around in the freezing cold. I told him so, and sent him back to bed.
At least I can be honest with him.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive!
I’ve been trained so well in not giving a straight answer that the only person who gets a honest answer, reluctantly, is my dog. Probably only because he can’t out me to anyone.