Not that I think it is the right thing to do...but...I lied. There was always some excuse and I made sure I came up with it after I SI'd and before I would see anyone. Preferably I would use something that would make a similar mark, a cat, a desk, a nail sticking out of a wall, a metal bar, I tripped, I fell down a set of stairs, I fell into blackberry bushes, better yet... I was picking blackberries, I was cutting something and slipped... if it was a realistic lie people believed me and sometimes even if it wasn't they would... they didn't want to believe the truth, even if deep down they knew it. As for your children though, it would be better if you didn't lie to them because if they find out you lied it can be really difficult to repair the relationship.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this right now.
Try to stay safe.

(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))