Summary

Chapter 2, “Ryo, 35, accounts department of a furniture manufacturer,” describes how, when Ryo was in high school, he used to visit Mr. Ebigawa’s antique store, Enmokuya. One day, he bought a small silver spoon that caught his eye. Ryo was a regular at the shop until Mr. Ebigawa disappeared without explanation and Enmokuya closed. Ever since, Ryo has wanted to open an antique store of his own.

Ryo now works “in the accounts department of a furniture manufacturer” (63). Although he does not like the job, he cannot quit until he has saved more money. Often trapped and frustrated, Ryo is unsure if it will “ever be possible” to pursue his dream (67).

Ryo picks up his girlfriend Hina. She lives with her parents and runs a shop online. They met three years prior “on Yuigahama beach,” while Hina was looking for sea glass (68). Although they...