I promise. As of tonight, I will not have any more Donut Man doughnuts (for the rest of the semester). I was so close to being so good. I did not venture out to Glendora when both hands of the clock reached twelve tonight. I was not even tempted.

But then Sabine called, "just wanted to know if you want anything, I'm going to Donut Man..." Aw, hell. It's like I can never win. And I told her "nooooo, nooooo, it's diet day. Besides, I already had a pumpkin danish from Some Crust this morning. And pizza for lunch! Noooo, no, it's okay!"

And I thought I was safe. I really did. However, my words were not heeded as Sabine showed up at my door an hour later, donut in hand. And not just any donut. But the seasonal pumpkin donut. What could I do?! (what would you do?!) I thanked her profusely and admitted surrender. And then I sunk my teeth into the still warm creature, a soft yeasty donut with a crown of cream akin to spicy whipped pumpkin custard. In the hollow, a contrasting white sweet cream cheese frosting smooth as butter and eager to please. And I said to myself, �half! Half! I shall only eat half!� I reached the half point, ready to put it aside. But then I closed my eyes and by the time I even realized a minute had passed�it was gone. The pumpkin cheesecake donut disappeared. Into my tummy.

This is what finals week does to you.