Once I’m done, I get up and head straight for her bedroom. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Mom’s number while I check the clothes in the walk-in closet.
“I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon!” Mom says as she answers the call. “Is everything okay?”
“Can you take Yuki shopping tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
I shake my head as I stare at the new dresses and shoes.
“Redo her entire wardrobe and also get her a phone. She has my credit card. Go crazy, Mom. Buy her everything you think she needs.”
“Is it that bad?” Mom asks.
“Yuki only has super short dresses, and her shoes give her blisters.” I glance over all the lace. “And no comfortable underwear.”
“I’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry.” Mom pauses for a few seconds, then asks, “How is she doing?”
“She’s terrified of me. I’ve told her repeatedly I won’t hurt her, but she doesn’t believe me.”
“It’s going to take a long time, Augusto. You need to be patient with her.”
“I know.”
“Wait, your dad wants to talk to you.” I listen as Mom hands the phone over, then Dad says, “Hey, son.”
“Hi, Dad.”
I begin to pace up and down the closet, and every few steps, my eyes touch on the neatly packed shelves and dresses.
“How are you holding up?”
“It’s difficult. I don’t know what to do to set Yuki at ease. I think I should move in with one of the guys and give her space.”
“Don’t do that. Yuki needs to be around you so she can see you won’t hurt her. You’re married and have to get to know each other.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I take a deep breath before saying, “She’s only twenty-two.”
“So?”
“I’m ten years older than her.”
“Son, there’s a nine-year age gap between your mother and me. It’s just a number and should be the least of your worries.”
I forgot about that.
“Maybe it bothers me because she looks so fucking young,” I admit.
“You made the decision to marry this woman, Augusto. Get to know her and find some common ground you can work with. Don’t treat her like she’s broken but like the woman you’re going to spend the rest of your life with.”
“Easier said than done,” I grumble.
“When your mother found out I tricked her, she gave me hell for weeks. I didn’t back down but kept fighting because losing her wasn’t an option.”
Mom jumps in to say, “Don’t listen to your father. He went about it the wrong way, and it’s not the same for you and Yuki. Be gentle with her and show her who you really are.”
Nodding, I walk out of the bedroom. “Okay. I have to go. Yuki made dinner.”
“Oh, that’s nice of her. Try to enjoy the evening. Ask her about herself and try to find out what she likes and dislikes.”
