The Tell

I was caught on camera

mid-bite, pixelated,

the red spot inside my cheek

bright as an accusation.

I didn't even know

I was doing it. My finger

was already there, already moving

toward the damage. The habit

made visible. Everyone

could see exactly

what I do when I think

no one's watching. Now

I can't unsee it either.

That's the tell.

That's always been the tell.