In Chapter 1, the narrator, Masako, reveals the complexity of her relationships with her mother, husband, and son’s wife, Lisa. Masako’s mother is aging and requires more care, while Lisa constantly confides in Masako about her marital issues and parenting concerns. Masako feels overwhelmed by the constant complaints from Lisa and struggles to address the growing tensions in her family. Despite her frustration, Masako tries to maintain a close relationship with Lisa. The chapter ends with Masako expressing concern about the strained relationship between Lisa and her own mother, as well as the need to address the growing marital problems between her son and Lisa. Masako’s husband acknowledges the challenges and stresses in their family dynamic.
Continuing from last time. I (Masako) live with my husband and mother. My mother is over 80 years old and can still talk, but she is becoming more and more inconvenient in daily life. I am very busy with part-time work every day preparing meals, taking care of household chores, and helping my mother. My son, Kohei, got married four years ago and now lives with his wife Lisa and two children. Since my son’s family lives far away, we don’t get to see them often, but they come back for long holidays like Obon and New Year’s. This is Lisa. Fortunately, she was able to join our family. I wanted to be friends forever, so I tried to stay as close to Lisa as possible. Perhaps because of that, Lisa started consulting me on any topic. However, the content gradually increased and there were many questions about dissatisfaction with Kohei and whether my way of raising him was a failure. When it became too painful to ignore, the phone would ring again. Recently, just seeing the word “Lisa” on my smartphone makes me sad.
Kohei and I talked on the phone about how tired we were of Lisa’s contact.
Kohei answered, “Lisa is trying to create an environment where she can work.” He also said in surprise, “She has never complained to me.”
I sighed and started to worry that Kohei was tired, so my husband called me. I also told my husband, “Kohei seems unable to talk to Lisa properly… She keeps complaining to me.”
According to what my son told me, it seems that Lisa is passing on to me what she wants to tell Kohei.
Even though I am the mother of a child, I think it’s wrong to interfere in adult matters without discussing them with your spouse…
And Lisa says her relationship with her own mother is not going well. If that’s true, and if this is the result of her love for me like a mother, do I have no choice but to endure it?
Just as she is my real mother, it was tough to be constantly listening to complaints.
To be continued in [Episode 4].
Original: Mama Star Community Script: Tae Watanabe Illustration: Kyoya Anzu