"Why not?" I ask her, amused at her sincerity. I never know what to expect from her mouth.
"I love Papi," she says, then her voice gets whiney, "but, he not here. My Papi not here." She quivers her bottom lip. But, then, quickly states (seemingly to herself ): "He at work. He be back." She nods. She is apparently content with this reminder, and returns to her former happy demeanor.
"Bye, Mami. I see you later. I be back soon, okay?" she says to me.
"Okay, I'll see you later."
"Mami," she turns around and says as she exits the room, "I love you."
"I love you too, silly girl."
