The Envelope Under the Rug

Dear Delyara, I’ve started hiding the bills. I know how pathetic that sounds. I literally lifted the corner of the rug in the hallway and slid a final notice underneath it because I couldn't bear to look at it one more second. Every time the phone rings, I feel a jolt of electricity in my chest. I’m an adult with a professional job, but I’m living like a fugitive. I lie to my partner about why we can't go out to dinner, making up excuses about being "too tired," when the truth is I don't have ten pounds to my name. The debt is a shadow that follows me into every room, and I’m scared it’s finally going to catch me.