Dad’s plans involve a trip to Windenburg. Initially, I thought it was to visit the Banks Art Center that Gran opened when I was just a kid, but the chosen location is more surprising.
Wade: Why are you bringing us to a beauty salon?
Kai: It’s not just a beauty salon, and I’m bringing you guys here because men deserve self-care too.
Wade: Yeah, but isn’t there some place more ‘manly’ we can go?
Kai: Does it matter?
There’s no arguing with Dad. I lead the way inside.
Dad’s first idea is a mind centering yoga class. I’m very reluctant initially.
Wade: This reminds me too much of Maia.
Kai: Well, maybe that’s what you need.
I don’t know about that, but I follow along with the instructor. The last time I did yoga was with Maia, when our relationship was new. Maybe if I’d joined her more often, we wouldn’t be where we are now. I swallow my regrets before getting into the next pose.
The yoga instructor gets into some difficult poses. Mase and I both attempt them, but Dad is just standing there.
Wade: Are you going to give it a shot, Dad?
Kai: Your ma didn’t marry a fool.
Dad is strong and is in great shape for his age. Sometimes I forget he’s an elder now.
The instructor guides us into a resting pose, something we can all do. My only issue is that I can’t stop thinking about Maia. My thoughts land on her brown skin and how her skintight outfits hugged her curves as she contorted into different poses in her yoga room. I often imagined recreating those poses in the bedroom. I miss watching her and smelling the spicy-sweet incense she’d burn. The focus music that she’d play echoes in my ears. I wonder what she’s doing right now. If I were to call, would she answer the phone?
I feel centered and focused when the class ends, but it doesn’t erase the fact that I miss my wife and daughter.
I want to sneak off and call Maia after the yoga class, but Dad leads us upstairs.
Kai: How about some hand and foot massages, my treat?
I’m not very interested in that, but the hair styling chairs capture my attention. I’ve been sporting long hair all my life. Surely, there are years of emotion trapped within my hair follicles. Maybe it’s time for a change. I approach the stylist.
Wade: Can you give me something that screams ‘brand new start’?
Hair Stylist: Not sure what you mean, but I can try.
Try isn’t what I want to hear, but he’s the only stylist available, so I have to trust that he can make me look good. I make it easy on him.
Wade: Just cut it all off.
The stylist begins his work. I flinch when he grabs the scissors.
Hair Stylist: Are you sure this is what you want?
I’m not, but maybe a new style can put me on the path to being a better man.
Wade: Yeah, just get it over with!
I close my eyes, feeling palpitations every time I hear the scissors close and feel locs dropping around me. The stylist completes his work, and I look in the mirror behind me.
Short hair is new to me, but it makes me feel lighter. I snap a pic and post it on Social Bunny, because I know Tami will see it and probably show it to Maia.
Dad and Mase, who parted from their long hair a while ago, walk over.
Kai: I never thought you’d do it!
Wade: Neither did I.
Mason: You look good, bro.
Kai: Yeah, you wear it well.
Wade: Thanks. It feels pretty good.
But will it help me win over my wife?
We head down the stairs and out to the café next door. It’s quiet and empty, which is probably why Dad brought us here. It’s the perfect place to talk. We step up to the barista and place our orders.
We grab our snacks and sit down at a nearby table. I’d hate for every conversation we have to be about me, but it’s inevitable since I’m the one with the problem. But maybe I can direct the narrative.
Wade: Mase, how’s married life so far?
Mase almost seems a little hesitant to answer. I can guess why. Contrary to what he’s probably thinking, I can use some good news.
Mase: It’s good, but I never thought one tiny baby could change things so much. Zoe and I barely have any time alone these days. As soon as we try to share a hug or a kiss, Serena cries.
Wade: Yeah, one tiny sim can change your entire world.
Kai: *chuckles* You boys most definitely changed ours. But it’s worth it now, seeing you all grown up, living your own lives.
I think about Tami. Just yesterday, she was a helpless baby, and now she’s in high school. Where did the time go?
Wade: Yeah, cherish it while you can, bro.
Mason: I will.
Wade: But don’t mess it up like I did.
And just like that, the conversation turns back to me.
Desperation takes over, and I ask a question I know neither Mase nor Dad can answer.
Wade: So, how do I get my marriage back?
Dad raises an eyebrow and studies me for a moment before answering.
Kai: First, ask yourself if you want it back.
My mouth opens briefly, then closes.
Wade: Of course I do! What type of question is that?
Kai: A legitimate one. Think about it…you’re a married man, but you’ve been making single man decisions.
Wade: But, I love Maia. I can’t imagine my life without her.
Kai: What’s love got to do with it, son? Love is simple. It’s the respect and compromise that make marriage tough. What are you prepared to give up to get your family back?
Dad’s words are food for thought, but they’re being stuffed down my throat, threatening to choke me.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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