The protagonist, Tetsuya, lives with his wife Hitomi and parents. They decided to live together after marriage, common in their area. Tetsuya plans to take over his father’s company, so maintaining a close relationship is important. However, tensions arise between Hitomi and his mother, leading to a physical altercation. Hitomi leaves, causing further conflict. Tetsuya realizes his role in the situation and decides to move out with Hitomi to relieve her burden. They have a difficult conversation with Tetsuya’s mother, who harbors distrust towards Hitomi. Tetsuya reflects on his actions and the impact on Hitomi, realizing the need to make a clear decision. The episode ends with the transition to Episode 10.
Continuing from last time. I (Tetsuya) live with my wife Hitomi and my parents. Hitomi and I had discussed living together since we decided to get married. It is not uncommon in the area where I live for children to live with their parents. Furthermore, I plan to take over the company that my father runs in the future. That’s why I thought it was necessary for us to live together and maintain a close relationship in various ways. Hitomi also agreed, and my parents were happy to renovate the house. The plumbing is shared, with my parents’ room on the first floor and ours on the second. At first, living together was nice, but the relationship between Mom and Hitomi began to deteriorate. One day, an incident occurred where Hitomi pushed my mother, causing her to get injured. Hitomi decided she couldn’t take it anymore and left the house, but my mother seemed unable to calm down.
At that point, I thought it would be impossible for Hitomi and my mother to live together.
My father showed understanding that we were leaving the house. However, my mother seemed not to agree. She spoke as if she thought that Hitomi was at fault for the injury this time.
“Are you leaving this house?! Originally, that woman…” I cut off my mother’s words. I was very angry with my mother for referring to the person I chose as “that woman.” She fell silent and looked anxious.
There must have been a misunderstanding or a slight difference in consciousness that led to the current situation. There are many factors that have led to the current situation.
But in this case, I am primarily responsible for not pushing Hitomi to this extent… We cannot continue living the way we used to. It has come to this point. I don’t want to burden Hitomi any further. So, we are leaving this house. That is the conclusion I have reached.
After the conversation with my mother, I arrived at the business hotel where Hitomi was staying. As soon as we met, Hitomi burst into tears.
My mother had a sense of distrust towards Hitomi. It is all my fault that things have become so difficult for the two of us. I involved Hitomi in my own situation. Because Hitomi accepted me, I thought everything would be fine as long as I was by her side. Due to such a naive thought, I failed to notice the tension between my mother and Hitomi deepening before it became too late.
I think it is necessary to clearly come to a conclusion about the coexistence that has caused so much suffering to the gentle and calm Hitomi.
Continued in [Episode 10].
Original Concept: Mamasta Community Script: Tae Watanabe Illustration: Yoshida Editor: Yasai Ishii