Naturally, I will take the child with me.
No! I won't let you! I'm not giving you custody. The child is mine!
I'm the one who gave birth to the child.
But I'm the one who took care of the child!
How can you raise a child when you don't have the financial resources?
That's why you have to give me child support!
It was me that changed diapers, fed baby food,
and dropped off and picked up the child from kindergarten!
I beg you! Please don't take the child away from me!
I guess I have no choice... All right.
Then in regards to parental authority,
we will negotiate when that time comes.
You're okay with that, right?
Actually, is it really necessary to decide now what to do if we get divorced?
Thank you for your patience.
Number 14 to Window 2, please.
- I'd like to have one copy of marriage registration. - One moment please.
Take care.
- Oh, you came to see me? - How are you feeling?
I'm starting to get a little nervous.
I've never had surgery before.
The surgery department here has high standards. You'll be fine.
Thank you. Oh, Takumi was here until a little while ago, but
he said he was hungry and went to the cafeteria.
2 weeks before the surgery
Specifically, your symptoms are anemia and weight loss, correct?
- That's correct. - Also,
I get terrible heartburns and I don't have an appetite at all.
- Your symptoms and behavior don't match. - I just happen to feel good today.
Last time she was examined, they said there was nothing wrong.
You should get a second opinion.
I thought so too, so I'm looking for a good hospital.
Don't bother. The hospital Sotaro-kun referred me to is good enough.
That won't do. I can't trust a hospital he went and found.
Since you work for the Cabinet Office,
I thought you might know of a hospital that high-ranking officials go to.
Please give me 1 day. I'll do some research.
10 days before the surgery
Now, rotate once please.
4 days before the surgery
Let me start with the result...
I'm home~.
Hi, I'm home.
- How did it go? - It was stomach ulcer.
- Stomach ulcer? - Yes.
They'll have to operate on it because of the location, but
the doctor said it's a simple procedure.
Oh...
- That's good news, huh? - Yeah...
I'm so glad to hear that.
Aniki, Rumi-san just has stomach ulcer.
Is that right? That's a relief.
I'm glad to hear that. I'm honored I was able to be of help. Good bye.
Father.
If you remember Mother's symptoms
before she collapsed, can you tell me?
Symptoms?
The worst thing, she said, was terrible heartburns.
She said she didn't have any appetite and felt anemic.
How did you feel when you found out she had stomach cancer?
I felt as if I was plunged into darkness.
I had a hard time accepting it.
Maybe I'm still unable to accept it.
Even now?
I think about it almost daily.
I should've done that for her, I should've done this for her.
But I was so shocked, all I could do was run around in panic.
I couldn't do anything for her.
I'm pathetic. All I have are regrets.
When you get right down to it,
you've got to do what you can while they're still alive.
You're still awake.
I'm going to bed now.
- Good night. - Good night.
Registered Deed
3 days before the surgery
Terauchi Funeral Home
- Kaori-chan. - Yes?
It would make me happy if you could eventually take over this class.
Not me. I'm still actively working.
I don't want to make teaching my primary job yet.
We don't want a scary teacher like you either!
What did you say? Just hurry up and sit down.
Welcome.
What would you like?
No thank you. It's my day to cook today, so I'll go home and eat.
Oh, really? Then shall we share a plate of tempura?
No thank you. Today isn't the day for tempura.
What did you wish to see me for?
I was wondering if
you were really thinking about marrying my son.
It's under consideration. The detailed check of the contract has not been completed yet.
- But it's not that you like him, right? - That is not a problem.
I am of the opinion that love is not necessary in marriage.
But you might find someone you like.
I'm not foolish enough to expect something like that to happen.
Here's your order.
Of course,
if you would marry Takumi,
there's nothing I'd appreciate more.
I'll have no regrets and can go with an easy mind.
But I started feeling bad for you.
Since I'm forcing a NEET on you.
I'm not sure if that's really all right.
- So she went to see Yoriko-san, huh? - She said she'll have no regrets.
That is usually an expression used by someone facing death.
When she told me that she wanted me to take over the class,
I thought it was a little strange too.
I saw her coming out the funeral home today.
Did she have them give her an estimate or something...
Rumi-san's symptoms
are remarkably similar to that of stomach cancer.
In view of the aforementioned points,
it's highly possible that she's lying.
Let's go see her doctor and find out.
Doctors have the obligation of confidentiality.
They cannot disclose medical information even to the family without the patient's permission.
You're all reading too much into it.
Passing off stomach cancer as stomach ulcer
is a lame lie that's been overused in dramas and movies for ages.
You've been influenced too much by fiction.
That rarely happens in real life.
My mother also lied that she had stomach ulcer.
Her symptoms were identical to Rumi-san's.
The cancer was in a location that was hard to detect, and
17 years ago
by the time they found it, it was too late.
You said you had stomach ulcer, didn't you?
I did.
You said it's a quick simple surgery, didn't you?
I did.
Did you lie to me, Mother?
Yes, I did.
Why?
I did it for your sake.
If I told you I'd be gone soon,
you'd be shocked, right?
Or maybe not.
Even if I'm gone,
it probably won't be a big deal for you.
Come here.
No, that's not it.
I didn't do it for your sake.
The truth is,
I was afraid you'd cry like this
and that would be bothersome for me.
Lying to you
made it easier for me.
I'm sorry
for being so selfish.
You should have pretended to be deceived until the end.
She had the surgery to be sure, but
there was nothing that could be done, and
and she passed away shortly after.
This is not a fiction. It's reality.
She was sorting out documents related to property deed last night.
We have no choice but to accept it.
Rumi-san is making preparation to enter the last stage of her life.
There is only one logical answer.
Rumi-san has terminal cancer.
- Where are you going? - I'm gonna make Mom fess up.
- Takumi. - Why is she lying to me!
- I'm her only family! - That's because she didn't want you to worry...
- That's none of her concern! - She isn't doing that for your sake.
It's easier on Rumi-san, herself, when she's lying.
People's feelings are complicated.
In particular, patients become nervous.
We should expend our effort to help her maintain the most comfortable state of mind.
I never thought I'd be learning the complexity of people's feelings from you.
It's knowledge based on experience.
Takumi...
until Rumi-san decides to tell us herself,
let's pretend we don't know.
It's hard for me too, but
the best thing for Rumi-san is for us to act cheerful.
Taniguchi-san.
This is not the time to be depressed.
There are other things we should be doing.
That's to do what we can while she's still alive.
If we don't, we will pay for it in the future.
When is the surgery?
The 19th.
That's in 3 days.
We don't have much time.
Now then,
let each of us do what we can.
Kaori-san, if you don't mind,
why don't you tell Rumi-san that you'll take over her art class?
- Yeah, I should. - Sotaro-san,
why don't you take over making arrangements for the funeral?
This is the terms of the marriage contract that I drafted.
If you can agree to this, I wouldn't mind marrying you.
If there's something I can do for Rumi-san,
this is it.
"Basically, B will be responsible for all household chores in general."
- Is B me? - Yes.
"Breakfast menu is as follows:"
"Monday. Cooked rice, miso soup with seaweed,
broiled salted salmon, natto (fermented soybeans). Tuesday. Toast, salad, yogurt."
- Do we have to be this detailed? - Of course.
What's the deal with this 5,000 yen for my spending money?
- I'm not in junior high, you know! - Didn't you say you just need to buy books?
The average price of paperbacks is 560 yen. You can buy 8 or 9.
5,000 yen isn't fair compensation for all this hard work.
Then you come up with an estimate and submit it.
- Is this item really necessary? - It's better to have it decided ahead of time.
The frequency of sexual intercourse isn't something you can decide!
Then how many times per month can you do it?
It's not a matter of how many times.
Oh, for Pete's sake. We're getting nowhere. I'm going to the bathroom.
B-b-but it says twice a week...
from 21:00... She even set up the time...
Oh my God. How embarrassing.
Is there anything I can do to help?
No, I'm fine.
Is that Takumi-san?
I can't picture him playing soccer.
He was pretty good at it too.
When did your husband pass away?
This gentleman is your husband, right?
He's not dead.
- What? - We just got a divorce.
Actually, to be accurate, we never officially got a divorce, so
I guess we're separated.
I meant he might as well be dead.
We haven't been in contact for 13 years.
13 years ago corresponds to
the period you started your life as a hikikomori NEET.
Educated idler.
From what I gather, the breakup of the family was caused by you.
Please tell me the circumstances in detail.
It's all in the past.
Since they're not officially divorced,
he's someone who can legally become my father-in-law.
I need to know the accurate circumstances.
Otherwise, I can't marry you.
Taniguchi Tsutomu. He was an education adviser.
He had several books published, and
he even appeared frequently on TV at the time.
He was preaching how to raise children like he knew it all.
But his own child turned out like this.
There was no way that man of great pride could accept me.
All hell broke loose.
13 years ago
Dad!
- Dad, stop it! Takumi... - Move!
In the first place, it's because you spoiled him that he...
- What the hell do you think you're doing! - What did you say...
We caused such a ruckus that the police even came.
And he disappeared.
I haven't heard his name mentioned since, so he probably quit his job too.
- The end. - Do you know where he is and what he's doing now?
I don't know and I don't care. Maybe he's really dead.
- He's alive. - I don't know about that.
- He has a blog. - What? Blog?
This is him, isn't it?
"Working and intellectual pursuits of a recluse." What the heck is this?
"Profile. Taniguchi Tsutomu, formerly an education adviser"
He writes a lot of reviews on books and movies.
He's a scumbag!
- Oh, we can chat. - No, don't chat. Please don't.
I have to introduce myself.
- I told you we severed all ties! - Don't you have to tell him about Rumi-san?
- She's going to die soon, you know. - Don't say that she's going to die.
He got physically abusive with Mom, you know.
- He's a disgusting bastard. - But they're married.
They haven't seen each other in 13 years. They're no longer married.
Legally, they're still married.
The spouse has the right to know matters concerning life or death.
If this issue cannot be resolved, we cannot move forward with the marriage.
1 day before the surgery
This must be it.
Are you Taniguchi Tsutomu-san?
Come in.
Sit wherever you want.
Excuse me.
It gets really drafty in here.
It's colder than outside.
I'm afraid all I have are peanuts.
How do you do?
My name is Yabushita Yoriko.
There really was no need for you to come see me.
As you can see, I'm just a single old man living day to day.
Have you removed yourself from the field of education?
I'm not qualified to talk about education.
Living out of sight from society
is the least I can do as atonement towards my former students and their parents.
The reason we're here today
- is to tell you something about your wife, Rumi-san... - There's no need to tell him.
This bastard...don't need to know anything!
Excuse me.
Taniguchi-san.
He's living with a woman.
He's having fun with a young woman.
All this time, Mom was alone... All this time...
I'm not letting him see Mom. Ever!
All right.
- Terminal cancer... - Anyway, that being the case,
those two are rushing to finalize their marriage.
Since tomorrow's the day of surgery,
they're probably planning to decide by then and report it to Rumi-san.
But there's no reason why you should hold back because of that.
Marriage isn't something you do for your parents' sake.
- That's true, but... - In any case,
I just wanted to let you know that your time limit's tomorrow.
Gotta go pee.
Are you okay with that, Kaori-san?
Okay with what?
With Takumi-san getting married.
- Excuse me? - You like him, don't you?
Excuse me?
He's a NEET, you know. He's worthless, you know.
- I don't know how you got that idea. - I can tell.
I saw that kiss.
That was just a meaningless kiss.
It's not that Takumi-san loves Yoriko-san.
He just wants to get married to sustain his lifestyle.
So...it doesn't matter who he marries.
It can even be you.
Why are you supporting those two when you know that?
The answer is simple.
It's because he doesn't particularly like me.
I want to be loved.
No matter how much I like him, if he doesn't feel the same way,
I'll just be miserable being with him.
Right?
Anyway, you do what you got to do.
I'm sorry for calling you out so suddenly.
That's quite all right, but please keep it short.
I heard you and Taniguchi-san were in discussion to move forward with your marriage.
That's why
I figured today was my last chance...
Last chance?
It's probably been quite obvious for a while now, but
I'd like to confess properly once again.
I...
like you, Yoriko-san!
- Like? - It means in love.
- Who? - Me.
- With whom? - You!
What? Really?
- You didn't notice? - But I didn't get any notification of that nature.
Anyway, that's how it is.
I would like to go out with you.
I don't know what to say. Currently,
Taniguchi-san and I are in the process of
- finalizing the contract. - I know.
So if...
if...
you and Taniguchi-san can't come to an agreement by tomorrow,
please give me a chance.
If not, I'll give up once and for all.
That's all I have to say.
There's a woman who told me
she wants to be loved.
I'm sure that's what you want too.
But an alimony would be nice. Being that I don't have any financial resources.
Please compromise a little. Your mother's going to die, you know.
I told you, don't say she's going to die.
Then let's move on to parental authority in the event we get a divorce.
Naturally, I will take the child with me.
No! I won't let you! I'm not giving you custody. The child is mine!
Now then, the contact is hereby sealed.
Let's each keep a copy.
Okay.
The surgery is at 4:00 pm, so I'll catch some sleep and head out to the hospital.
I'll go home and catch whatever sleep I can too and go to work.
I'll leave work early and head out to the hospital, so
let's tell Rumi-san together that we reached an agreement for the marriage.
All right.
Oh...
I'll stop by the ward office and pick up a copy of the marriage registration.
- Well then, good night. - Good night.
- I'd like to have one copy of marriage registration. - One moment please.
Takumi.
You know Mochizuki-san, the judicial scrivener, don't you?
Yeah.
I've told him everything
in regards to the house and money.
So
if anything happens to me,
go talk to Mochizuki-san.
He'll take care of everything...
What are you talking about?
It's just stomach ulcer, right?
It is, but...
you never know what might happen, so just in case.
Don't be silly.
You worry too much.
I'm getting hungry.
I'll be at the cafeteria.
Mom...
please don't die...
- Oh, you came to see me? - How are you feeling?
I'm starting to get a little nervous.
I've never had surgery before.
The surgery department here has high standards. You'll be fine.
Thank you.
Oh, Takumi was here until a little while ago, but
he said he was hungry and went to the cafeteria.
- Taniguchi-san. - Yes?
Can you come with me for an interview with the anesthesiologist?
Sure.
Please, have a seat.
- Hello? - This is Yoriko.
I'm sorry for bothering you at work,
but it's an urgent matter.
- What's up? - I want your opinion.
On the feeling of an individual who's still preciously holding on to a picture of her spouse she broke up with
13 years ago and gazes longingly at it.
Huh? Can you say that again?
The feeling of an individual who's still preciously holding on to a picture of her spouse she broke up with
13 years ago and gazes longingly at it.
Say that one more time.
The feeling of an individual who's still...
Takumi.
Things dragged on longer than we expected at the site.
How did it go with Yabushita Yoriko?
We tentatively reached an agreement.
I'm planning to tell Mom as soon as she gets here.
I see.
That's good news.
Rumi-san will be relieved too.
That's good.
It's about time, huh?
Oh, here comes Yoriko-san.
I'm Yabushita. I was here earlier.
I brought one more member of Taniguchi Rumi-san's family.
- May we go in? - Huh? She's with someone.
Yes, certainly.
Who was that?
I feel as if I know him really well...
That's Takumi-kun's...
What are you doing here?
I asked him to come.
- After I told him everything. - Why don't you mind your own business!
Because it's very possible that Rumi-san still wants to see him.
There's no way that's true! No...
even if there's one in a million chance that's true, I refuse to let him see Mom!
I know...
even I wonder how I dare to show up here.
But in my own way,
I think I spent the past 13 years suffering as well.
Like a recluse.
Rumi... your mother is the love of my life.
When I found out that she was getting operated for terminal cancer,
my mind went totally blank.
And I thought, I had to be by her side at the end.
Please! I beg you.
Let me see your mother.
Why don't you let him see her?
He's even getting down on his knees.
This is what I hate the most about him!
Everything's like an act!
He's living in an overly run-down apartment.
There's an air conditioner but he's using a kerosene heater.
He can serve cake or yokan, but
he serves those damn peanuts!
He just loves feeling sorry for himself!
What 13 years spent in suffering! Real recluses
don't do things like blogs!
Don't be giving "Pacific Rim" 35 points!
- How many points should I have given it? - That's not what I'm talking about!
I'm saying that you're a pseudo-recluse!
What the... They're exactly the same, those two.
From such recluse is born such educated idler.
Don't put me in the same category as him!
Do you even know what a hard time Mom went through
while you were having your fun with a young woman!
- All by herself...! - It's your fault!
The reason he abandoned his career as an educator,
the reason their marriage disintegrated,
the reason Rumi-san had to endure hardship all by herself.
When you get right down to it,
you were the cause of it all!
You're the one who has no right to stop him from seeing her.
Like you should talk...
Are you trying to get my family back together again?
That's what they call forcing your goodwill on others!
I'm simply saying that no one has the right to
prevent the husband from seeing his wife with terminal cancer who's about to die!
Don't say she's about to die!
If you're going to let Tsutomu-san see Rumi-san, please sign here.
Otherwise, I'll tear it up right now.
You're acting as if... you're waiting for my mother to die.
- I beg your pardon... - Getting everything done
in your damn business-like manner!
You're even in high spirits!
- Aren't you sad?! - I'm just saying that
being grief stricken is a waste of time and you should...
Being grief stricken and unable to do things that should be done,
being at a loss as to what to do.
That's only human!
That's how you deal with the death of your loved one, isn't it!
I'm sure that would make
Mom much happier too. Right, Mom?
M-Mom!
Were you listening?
What's up with all this talk about terminal cancer and dealing with death?
Is someone dying?
Mom...
It's okay.
We all know already. Don't lie to us anymore.
Huh? Me?
- I have stomach ulcer. - I said it's okay!
I'll share your suffering too!
Mom...
I won't be marrying Yabushita-san.
I'm sorry.
For disappointing you.
I'm not getting married.
I still need you, Mom.
So please don't die...
Live a long, long time and let me leech off you!
I don't think I'll die anytime soon...
Taniguchi-san.
It's time. Let's go.
- Say, I have stomach ulcer, right? - Yes, it's stomach ulcer.
Rumi-san's hardheaded, isn't she?
- Even the nurse... - They also have obligation of confidentiality.
- Oh, they're done. - Already?
- That was fast. - That's not good.
Maybe there was nothing they could do.
That can't be...
- Sensei! - Ah, hello.
Everything went smoothly.
- Does that mean the surgery was a success? - Of course.
- It was awfully fast... - But of course.
We just used a laparoscope to remove it.
- Was there no metastasis to other organs? - Metastasis?
There's no possibility of metastasis, since it's stomach ulcer.
She should be released in a few days. Excuse me.
- How about going for a drink tonight? - I'd love to.
They're thoroughly committed to their obligation of confidentiality.
You know...
I think you're all vaguely aware, but...
- isn't this stomach ulcer after all? - I'd say it's stomach ulcer too.
Who is it that started saying it's terminal cancer!
It's you.
But Rumi-san...
I told you it was stomach ulcer.
Why are you blaming me when I told you the truth?
You were talking in a depressive tone.
I can use whatever tone I want, can't I?
Why were you making preparations like you were at the end of your life?
Like visiting the funeral home and sorting out things for the class and house.
That's because I just felt like it.
How misleading is that.
Look at all the fuss you caused just for stomach ulcer.
It isn't just stomach ulcer.
It's definitely not a minor illness, and it's a big deal if surgery is involved.
- That's right. - Even more so because
cancer was suspected at one time so she started thinking about all kinds of things.
Naturally, she probably envisioned the worst case scenario too.
She felt death up close for the first time.
It's not strange at all that she thought about making preparations to close out her life.
As a matter of fact, it's a natural thing to do.
Actually, the same goes for you young folks too.
We never know when something might happen.
The life we have today may not be here tomorrow.
Being prepared so that you're ready whenever your time comes.
I think we all need to do that.
My thoughts exactly.
That's my husband. I knew you'd understand.
At any rate, I'm glad the surgery went well.
Now that I feel relieved, I'm getting hungry.
Those peanuts you had at your place.
- That's what I want to eat. - They're good, huh?
You can't stop eating them.
- Where are they from? - Chiba.
They're sure good, huh?
I can't seem to interpret the meaning of their conversation.
Me too.
I don't get the feeling at all that they're meeting for the first time in 13 years.
- Is it just me? - Me too.
In other words, the woman spending time at Tsutomu-san's apartment is...
No way... No way, no way.
That can't be. That's not possible.
Is that true?
Well, yes.
- Tell me that's not true! - Sorry, Takumi.
- This is a nightmare... - Since when?
4 or 5 years?
We ran into each other on the train.
Somehow, we ended up at a coffee shop and talked.
And somehow, I started going to his apartment.
- Were you going there often? - No, not really.
Once or twice a month at the most...
- 3 times? - Am I the only one who had severed all ties!
This is more shocking than terminal cancer!
Why were you keeping quiet?
Because, you know, it's embarrassing anymore.
When I left home, all the neighbors were watching too.
So it's not like I can go back to that house...
I started remembering our college days.
I recalled how I used to sneak into your apartment
and that made me feel sort of excited.
Stop giggling!
It's disgusting! You guys are disgusting!
Mom...
what the hell is that bra you're wearing!
What's it to you?
Oh, I bought her that bra.
That's enough! See if I care anymore!
Come on, let's go.
- Hello. - Father.
What's wrong?
Your mind goes totally blank and
you're unable to do what you should.
And you're just simply grief stricken...
That's what often happens to people when they're faced with the death of their loved ones.
And Mother
probably doesn't hold a grudge against you for that.
That's one way to see your loved one off too.
So
there's no need for you to have any regrets, Father.
That's all.
Thanks.
Good night.
Thanks.
I'll give at least 70 points.
To "Pacific Rim."
No way. It won't ever go beyond 40 points.
40 points for "Avatar."
That's worth 85 points.
I can't believe your lack of taste.
Your mom told me a lot of things.
You don't want to work so you want to marry someone who can be the breadwinner...
That's deplorable.
It's deplorable but... that's a way of life too.
But let me just say one thing.
Supporting your wife and protecting the home...
It's probably easier working outside.
Isn't that right? Mom.
Visiting hours are over.
I wanted to hear your answer.
How did it turn out with Taniguchi-san?
Taniguchi-san destroyed the marriage registration.
Then
will you go out with me?
I'm serious.
Please go out with me with marriage in consideration!
62 days until Yoriko's birthday