A Small Lie

I lied to my son today when he asked me if Santa was real. He's seven now and I know he'll figure it out soon enough. But the moment felt so bittersweet, watching his wide eyes full of wonder and excitement. So, I told him yes, Santa is very real, just as he always has been. The guilt crept in right after; I didn't want to be the one to take away that magic. Yet, now it feels like I'm holding onto a secret truth for him longer than I should.