That Smell

Some day soon
You will walk
Into my house,
Nostrils flared red.

"Do I smell cigarettes?"
You will query,
Answer already known,
Lingering in the air.

You smell depression,
Loneliness indulged,
Sorrow turned torrential
In an old comfort's return.

"Don't be so blatant,
Accusing me of slipping
When you know, for a fact,
That I gave up that "habit."

"An old friend
Just stopped by
To say, 'Hi,
'Are you well?'

Thus, I will lie
Rather than have
The part of you die
That believes in me,
Because your opinion matters,
Often cutting to the quick.

My stomach quakes;
I shiver
At the thought.
I snuff what remains,
Grabbing the air freshener.