In chapter 1, Rie lives with her husband Tsuyoshi and their two children Sakura and Haruto. When Tsuyoshi’s father passed away five years ago, he started supporting his struggling mother-in-law, causing him to become distant from his own family. Upon his return home after his stepmother’s death, the children’s cold reaction took him by surprise. The children avoid Tsuyoshi, leading him to seek advice from friends Momoko and Maho. Finally seeking outside perspective, Rie realizes the need to bridge the emotional gap between Tsuyoshi and their children to restore their family bond. Next, in Episode 7.
Continuing from last time. I (Rie) lived with my husband (Tsuyoshi) and two children (Sakura and Haruto). Five years ago, when my father-in-law passed away, Tsuyoshi started supporting his mother, who found it difficult to live alone. However, Tsuyoshi, who was supposed to value family time, gradually became more attached to his mother. The children’s events were cancelled one after another, and he eventually stopped coming home. When his stepmother passed away, Tsuyoshi returned home after 5 years, but the children’s reactions were colder than expected.
Since Tsuyoshi returned home, Sakura has been spending most of her time in her room. Haruto, unsure of how to interact with Tsuyoshi, simply avoided him. Over the past five years, the children’s feelings had completely drifted away from Tsuyoshi. I often watched TV or chatted in the living room… “Dad… why don’t you talk much? We used to be good friends.”
The children consistently avoided Tsuyoshi, who tried to approach them with the usual closeness. Initially happy to be back home, Tsuyoshi seemed quite dejected by the children’s blatant actions. Feeling like he had no place, he felt his energy gradually fading away.
Wanting to change this atmosphere, I decided to confide in my friends, Momoko and Maho. We met at a café and shared our experiences while having tea. Then, Momoko said…
Tsuyoshi, who finally returned from his parents’ house, was very happy. However, the children’s reactions were colder than expected. This couldn’t go on… Thinking that I needed an objective opinion, I consulted my friends.
Momoko asserted that the current situation with her husband was “her fault.” And I couldn’t deny it. There must have been more she could have done before the children abandoned their father. It was because they hadn’t thought together as a couple, and when directly told this, I couldn’t say anything in response.
Continuing to [Episode 7].
Original concept: Mama Star Community Script: Tae Watanabe Illustration: Kayo Neko Print: Teruko Ii