‘Why you think? Colour, little Will. Mistress Josephine mother was a sambo. She like it that she have a slave lighter than her. Even so, this family been good to me, can’t complain.’

Winnie take hold of me hands. Squeeze them tight.

‘Family is family, you can’t break that. James, him taking the best of all of you to dem faraway places, to the people him going see and meet. James going become like the wayfarer. The one holding the torch high, stepping out first. Have a little faith. One day James going return to lead the way, lead you into that new future.’

I hope Winnie is right, but I doubt James going return.

I probably never would.

That night I lay on Louis cot, since him still not return yet. I think bout life on the plantation. It seem very slow, very simple. Very far away and is the first time I come to see how different my life could be. Make me wonder what it must be like for James, out in a world that Winnie tell me move even faster than Montego Bay. Out there, not with him own kind, with nobody to turn to, no big brother to protect him soft edges. It set me mind in turmoil till I fall asleep, praying no one treat him cruel, only kind.

Next morning, I wake early and enter the kitchen, and hear Mistress Josephine shouting at the child.

‘Rose, you will do as you are told. Go with Winnie down the street to Miss Bonnie to have your hair done up special. I have no time for that today.’

‘I will not,’ little Rose say, stamping her foot on the floor.

‘We must all look our best tonight. So you are going.’

‘No.’

‘Yes.’

‘No!’

‘Yes!’ and up come Mistress Josephine hand and slap her. Make little Rose start howling, run hide her face in Winnie apron. ‘And stop making all that noise. You sound like a bleating goat just before Louis cuts its throat.’ Make little Rose cry even louder.

After Mistress Josephine leave the room, little Rose still sobbing, even though Winnie try to calm her down. Hug her up like Calla used to do. I remember the doll Mary gave me, pull it out, show it to her. Is just a raggedy, mash-up thing, but little Rose look at that doll like is the prettiest doll she seen. She look at me, look at the doll, not sure if she can take it. Finally she reach out, snatch it away. Hold it tight to her chest.

‘Better hide it,’ Winnie say. ‘Will be our secret.’

Little Rose slip it inside her waistband. Start to dry her eyes.