In the Castle of My Skin

G. visits Pa and apologizes for not visiting sooner. Pa, however, empathizes: “Twus the same with me. You got the best o’ intention when you promise, an’ then for God knows what reason you can’t sort o’ pay it up. The way a thing happen I know” (228). They then discuss various topics that include Ma’s death, G.’s time in high school, his move to Trinidad, Trumper going to America, and Bob and Boy Blue joining the local police force. Pa admits, “Everything change,” but the way it’s changing puzzles him (229). G. then recalls how everything’s changed because of the war. The island is now devoid of trees because the timber was needed for the war. The train tracks were uprooted and shipped off too. There are also rumors that the landlord will move and sell his property, but aside from Mr. Slime being connected somehow, no one knows what’s really happening. The Penny Bank and the Friendly Society, both started by Mr. Slime, are now large corporations with many stakeholders. The villagers view Mr. Slime with the same respect as the landlord; in a sense, the landlord has declined in importance as Mr.