Fruit of the Lemon

Introduction by Kit de Waal _______ We're thinking of going home to Jamaica.' And my reaction was, 'For a holiday. Fantastic! How long for?' 'Not for a holiday, Faith,' Dad said hesitantly. 'Your mum and me are thinking . . .' He held up his hand, 'Only thinking, mind, of going back there to live. To get a little place and live.' I stared at my dad and thought about Fondant Fancies. My mind involuntarily remembered the price of them and I worked out if I could afford to buy my own. I looked at Carl as he tapped his fingers on the chair, desperate to get to somewhere he could smoke. I went to smile but I couldn't. 'Going home to Jamaica,' I eventually said. I had then intended to say, 'Fantastic! I can come and visit,' but instead I said, 'Why?' 'Your dad and me are getting old now,' Mum started, 'and we feel that you and Carl are grown-up, so we can go home and . . .' I'd stopped listening. Because what I meant by why, the question I wanted answering was, why Jamaica? Why