Curling into myself, I nod while focusing my sight on the rumpled covers.
“I have to go to work, but my mom will stay with you.”
I nod again, and when he gets up, I watch from under my lashes as he walks to the doorway where he pauses to look at me again. “Just focus on getting better, Yuki. I don’t expect anything else from you.”
As he disappears down the hallway, I keep staring at the doorway, once again wondering whether Augusto is playing mind games with me.
Chapter 15
Yuki
As the days pass and turn into weeks, I feel stronger, and Dr. Milazzo seems very happy with the progress I’m making.
Augusto spends most of his time at work and only checks in on me late at night and early in the morning. I always pretend I’m asleep, so we haven’t talked for close to three weeks.
Samantha brought me comfortable clothes and spends every day with me. I think she’s only here to babysit me, and that’s why I see so little of Augusto. Not that I’m complaining. I’m starting to grow fond of her, even though I still feel wary.
Life in New York is different from what I’m used to. So far, no one’s slapped or shouted at me, and my routine is very peaceful. This morning, Dr. Milazzo cleared me to eat regular meals, and I won’t see him again until next week.
I’ve picked up weight, and Samantha’s said as soon as I reach the goal weight Dr. Milazzo has set for me, she’ll take me shopping for clothes. In the meantime, I’m very happy wearing the wide-leg yoga pants and T-shirts Samantha bought for me. The sweaters, underwear, and sneakers are also very comfy.
I’ve also been given an implant for birth control, which I’m thankful for because I’m not ready to have children. Not when so much uncertainty hangs over my head.
As I sit in the living room, opening one of the many boxes Augusto got before we were married, I’m just happy to be out of bed.
Looking inside the box, my lips part when I see the porcelain bowls, a tea set that’s decorated with blueprints of mountains and bamboo.
Augusto got this for me?
“Oh,” Samantha says, “these are so pretty.”
My eyes dart to her, and seeing the sensu fans she’s looking at, my lips part with surprise.
I move closer to her and admire the five beautiful fans, each one with a different design. “They’re beautiful.”
As we continue to open the boxes, I discover matcha green tea, vases, chopsticks, incense sticks and holders, and three pieces of art.
Staring at the painted landscapes that remind me of my childhood when Ryo and I used to play in the bamboo forest near the mountains, I’m overcome with intense emotions.
“Yuki?” Samantha touches my shoulder. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”
Before I can stop the words, I whisper, “It hurts.”
She gives me a worried look. “What? Your stomach?”
“No.” I rub my hand over my chest where the sharp jab of longing is. “The paintings remind me of my brother. I miss him.”
“Aww. Can’t he come visit you?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t seen him in eleven years.”
“I’m so sorry,” Samantha murmurs, her tone comforting. “Has he passed away?”
Never talking about Ryo, I hesitate, wondering if Samantha will give the information to Augusto. I don’t want to say anything that might put Ryo’s live in danger.
Deciding to err on the side of caution, I reply, “I don’t know anything.”
“I’ll ask Augusto to check if he can find information about your brother.”
