The Land of Lost Content by Sureshini Sanders

Author:Sureshini Sanders
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing
Published: 2014-11-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Goodbye Island in the Sun

My grandfather is in a goldfish bowl in Colombo Hospital. He is tied up with lots of string. We are not allowed to touch him or speak to him. We can only look through the window.

We have all had to come to Colombo, because he had a heart attack. They say the doctors jumped on him nine times, so he is bound to be better now. Coming to Colombo is very exciting because we get to meet all our cousins again, even though it is not Christmas.

The last time we were here was a few months before for the All Ceylon Song Contest with our Chithappah, Dad’s ‘little’ brother Balan. Miss Perfect sang ‘All Kinds of Everything’ and won.

It should have been me, except that I was interrupted in the middle of my song and a step put under me because I was so small and the microphone too far away. There was really no need, as my voice is quite loud. They also put me on very late so I was genuinely sleepy, singing, ‘Past Eight o’clock and it’s Bedtime for Dolly.’ The audience started laughing and it was not meant to be a funny song. These people do not know how to look after small children. If I hadn’t been so badly treated, I would definitely have won instead of my sister.

I love travelling around with my Chithappah, who causes quite a stir wherever he goes. His skin is pale. He is wearing a white shirt, dark trousers, sun glasses and he is well over six foot, a giant in Lilliput. I can see that all the girls are jealous that I have such a handsome escort.

This time in Colombo someone kind has sent us food and crates of drink. There is a tradition in Ceylon to send food and drink to a bereaved household, as those who grieve, unless you are me, do not tend to eat well.

This upsets my grandmother a lot as Iyah is not dead. Personally I think she is overreacting – no way is he going to die and, if she would only try it, the food is delicious. I have also got the delights of a crate of Vimto and other fizzy drinks that I do not even recognise in front of me.

The adults are speaking in hushed voices but the loudest voice is coming from the phone and sounds like my father shouting!

When I left Jaffna I told the girls I was not coming back and they all gave me presents. Harriet warned me that it was not good to tell lies, as we were only planning to be away for a few weeks but now my story is coming true. I think I must have a special sense. I overhear my Periappah Rajan telling my sister that he may need to take us to live with our parents, because Iyah is very ill.

It would be great fun to go to England. We are all excited about it.

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