Summary

In Chapter 5, although Fuyuko visited libraries for research, she had avoided bookstores since finding a mistake in a novel she had proofread at a store.

After her outing with Mitsutsuka, Fuyuko decided to buy a book about light. At the bookstore, she avoided the new releases (85). In one section, she studied a group of girls with dyed hair and heavy makeup. Fuyuko read the titles on the shelf. One book was about things to do before turning 35. Another was about the importance of partnership, and another about the importance of “being loved” (86-87). The books’ titles and contents overwhelmed Fuyuko. She left the store, feeling excluded from a game she “would never play” (88). She was surrounded by women who “were surrounded by possibility” (89).

A week later, Fuyuko received “an email from Mitsutsuka” (89). They met at the same cafe. He wore the same outfit. They...