no
no is no

I can’t make it any clearer than
no

for all its negativity, subjectivity, or nonconformity
no is fully and unequivocally
no

no ifs, and or maybes
no beating around the bush
taking no prisoners
no

negativity in all its nonbeing, noncomittal, nonadvantageous, nonbelieving, noncensored, noncollaborative, noncommunicable, nonconstructive, nonscientific, nonyeilding, nonthinking, noncaloric manner.
no

Now that I have defined NO for myself, I will state for the record that this story was written for the express reason of denying myself the unquestionable enjoyment of a homebaked oatmeal cookie. Downstairs baking in the oven, the scent of which is now clearly curling beneath my nose and irritating my salivary glands, are cookies. The ultimate torture to undermine my diet. Baked by my husband, and packed with hand chipped sharfenberger chocolate (a favorite of mine), shaved coconut, and hazelnuts to tempt me from my resolve. No flakey buttery goodness will stray me from my course.

When asked if I would like one, I will say NO! Or, I might say no. I will be diligent and say NOOOOOOOO!
A firm, non caring, if somewhat, uninterested and aloof “No.”