We set a twenty-minute timer.

After that, it was time for homework.

The alarm rang.

Someone quickly turned it off.

Later, I asked,
“Did the alarm ring?”

No one answered.

“Sydney?”

“I’m not answering. Vicky will answer.”

Vicky looked at me.

She watched my face.

“You are a smart mom,” she said.

Then quietly,
“Yes, it rang.”

I felt something warm.

“Since you are honest, you can have five more minutes.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

Sometimes, honesty looks like this.