Magali Alanis
Rodriguez Beaudoin

The welcome sign to this village is a Coca-Cola ad. Here and everywhere in Chiapas, the sun shines bright and makes sharp shadows of people and cars on the sidewalk. Loud cumbia music plays while people yell and the river runs with garbage under the boulevard. Strands of colored papel picado clash with the pastel blue facet of the neighborhood church. Broken pieces of glass outline the walls of surrounding homes to provide a sense of safety. Still when it rains, the water sounds loudly on the tin roof and drips through the ceiling. Maybe it can’t be explained.

-“Cuídate” , me dice.

-“Te prometo que me voy a cuidar” le digo. 

 -“Cuidate, te quiero.” 

Te quiero proteger.

-“Be careful.”

-“I promise I’ll take care of myself”.  

“Be careful, I love you”.

I want to protect you.