A lie needs maintenance. The truth just sits there.

False stories have to be remembered, kept consistent, and defended every time they meet somebody new, and the work never ends. The truth asks none of that, because it only has to match what happened. Most lies are not uncovered by anybody clever. They fall over under their own upkeep, usually at the worst available moment.

If you are keeping something going right now, count the people you have to stay straight in front of. Tell one of them the plain version this week and notice how much lighter the rest becomes. Late is awkward for an hour; carrying it is not.