Chapter 28

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Joō-sama and I had discussed Christmas earlier that month and she decided that, seeing I hadn’t gone home for Thanksgiving, I should at least spend a day or two over Christmas. She had brought me a Macy’s catalog and told me to pick out presents for my family.

“Oh, no, Joō-sama,” I had protested. “Things are too expensive there. I usually buy stuff at Target or Walmart!”

She had laughed. “But you are an executive now. You can afford more expensive things. You must keep up your image.”

“Can I take money out of my savings?” I’d asked.

“We’ll see,” was her answer.

We sat and looked through the catalog. I picked out a sweater for Dad and warm jacket that Mom could wear around the house.

“What about your cousins?”

“I should get Pat’s two kids something. I’d like to buy them clothes, but I don’t know their sizes.”

“Then call and ask. See what they need.”

So I got my phone and called. When the call ended, I turned to Yuriko.