Chapter 19

Vanessa

Over the next two hours, we move from store to store, interacting with the owners and exploring racks of designer clothing that stand like sentinels. The richness of colors and fabrics feels almost overwhelming, a stark contrast to the limited wardrobe I've grown up with.

At first, I didn't want to get anything, considering the outrageous prices on the tags, but then Diego just sat tapping his foot until I picked something up. And then I kind of just went crazy and started trying on and picking out what I liked. Surprisingly, I thought Diego would've gotten bored this whole time and pull out his phone or something, but he watches me with interest, as if he wants to see my clothing preferences for himself.

We're in the last store of the day, since Diego said we had to go soon. I'm just glad to finally have some clothes that I picked out myself since he controls every other aspect of my life. As the elderly woman, Ms. Garcia, delicately bags my clothes, she stares at my neck