You don’t lie. You tell the kids you’re sad and not very well, and you might cry, but it’s not because of them. You’re just sad. You go robot mode for basic tasks such as making meals for them and sticking to their routine, but you don’t lie. You’re allowed to be upset, and the boys don’t have to know exactly why but it’s normal for people to be sad and able to show it. Message me any time if you want to talk/vent x