Summary

In Chapter 33, Eri could not find her backpack, and threw a fit. Mizuki realized something deeper was upsetting her daughter. Eri told her she was being bullied at school. Mizuki talked to her through her emotions. That night, she and Tatsu discussed the issue. When Tatsu expressed his disgust over the bullying, Mizuki saw him differently.

In Chapter 34, when Mizuki "was pregnant with Eri," she felt hopeful about motherhood (236). Therefore, when another mother said that all of motherhood was heartbreak, Mizuki disbelieved her. Years later, she realized the woman was right.

In Chapter 35, Mizuki reflected on children and parents. She thought about her relationship with her late father. Sometimes she was convinced that her decisions as a young woman broke his heart, and ultimately led to his heart attack and death. Thinking about this, made her realize she could never break the hearts...