主人公は、夫を亡くし女手一つで娘2人を育てる母親。長女のミユキには頼りすぎたが、次女のアヤは手のかからない優しい子だった。今は娘たちがそれぞれ自立し、帰省するのを楽しみにしている。しかし、アヤが帰らないと言い出し、娘をやめると宣言する。母親は戸惑いながらも娘たちの成長を見守る幸せを感じている。家族の絆や成長、親子関係の変化が描かれている。
I (Yoko) have two daughters. My eldest daughter, Miyuki, is 28 years old, and my youngest daughter, Aya, is 21 years old. It was not easy to raise children on my own after my husband passed away ten years ago. I often relied on Miyuki, putting a burden on her. On the other hand, Aya has always been obedient and easy to handle. Now, both of my daughters have become independent and are living their own lives. I always looked forward to gathering with them during Bon Odori and the New Year.
When my husband passed away, I was devastated for a while, but it was because of my daughters that I was able to come this far. Miyuki and Aya have a 7-year age difference. Miyuki is much older, so I always felt sorry for relying on her so much. Therefore, I tried to support Miyuki as much as possible.
I remember traveling with pregnant Miyuki and realize that Aya wasn’t in the travel photos. At that time, she was in high school and probably busy with her own schedule.
Aya moved out when she found a job and is now living alone. She has always been an easy and kind child. I remember her asking, “Mom, are you okay?” since she was in elementary school. I also recall her smiling face when she was in high school. However, when I called to ask about our plans for the New Year, I received unexpected news from Aya.
“Do you understand? What’s your answer?” I asked, but Aya only muttered something in a low voice. I couldn’t understand her at all.
Raising children alone was very difficult. I may not have been a good mother, but I did my best to face my daughters. I am truly happy to see Miyuki as a mother and Aya growing into a respectable adult. Despite living together every day, now we live separately and can only meet occasionally as a family. I was looking forward to the day we could meet again and laugh together, but then Aya said, “I can’t come back,” and even “I’m quitting being your daughter”… Is this a late rebellious phase…? I found myself struggling with these thoughts.
To be continued in Part 2.
Original Concept: Mama Star Community Script: Tae Watanabe Art: Kayo Nekota Editing: Teruko Ii