i tug at mama’s sleeve
she’s stopped walking
and is staring
at the hotel entrance
i feel her body go stiff
there’s a couple
framed in the doorway
of the hotel
doing a couple thing
and mama can’t stop
looking
mama, what’s wrong
she doesn’t seem to hear
as the couple come apart
her eyes two pinpoints
deeply focused

and the man
suddenly tumbles
down the steps
she drags herself closer

i follow unwilling
it’s papa, i whisper
on seeing his face
But she clucks,
and pulls me away
walking briskly
i want to ask
if there is some mistake
but she’s smiling
humming
i follow
disturbed
confused
she’s still smiling
when we get home