Childhood

Where’s your mum?

Where your mom at?

Kids know the warmth in that question. At what age do they know? Hard to tell. They don’t think about it, because they are too busy with kids’ stuff, which is playing. Subconsciously, it also teaches them how to relate to the outside world. Kids give innocent answers because they are not old enough to have a database of lies, like us.

Is your mom in?

Yes. She said I should say she no here.

Kids bask in parents’ love. Delete that. Let’s use adoration. Every time someone says I love you, run for your life. He or she wants something. Kids are not hackers but they understand code. They know why dad keeps looking through the window. It’s because mum is unusually late. Kids protect that adoration from the world.

Are your parents in?

Yes, they are resting.

The visitor smiles and remembers it’s Sunday afternoon. Thou shall not disturb resting folks. However, kids also feel the other side of midnight, when parents fight. They cry.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.