I'm tilting you back now.
Okay.
The legs will open automatically.
Okay.
Please relax.
Okay.
Please relax.
Okay.
You'll feel a cold sensation.
Okay.
I'm inserting the probe.
Your uterus and ovaries seem healthy.
Look here.
The ovarian follicles are nice and big.
This is where the eggs develop.
My only concern was the slightly elevated FSH numbers,
but it should be fine.
Okay.
How long have you been trying?
We deem a healthy couple infertile after they try for over a year
to conceive but fail.
Has your husband been tested?
No.
Yes, men tend to avoid these things.
But about 50 percent of infertility cases are due to the male partner.
Is it difficult to take time off work on a weekday?
I mean your husband.
Our clinic accepts appointments up to 8:00 p.m.
Shall I make a reservation?
I was first surprised
by the overwhelming number of fertility clinics
and then by the extraordinary cost,
finally followed by the number of people who continued treatment despite this.
What do you say?
When shall we set it?
I'll decide next time.
You really want a child...
don't you?
FINALE
The water here is great.
Perfect temperature.
I heard Misasa Hot Springs is good, too.
Something about its long history.
Want to go next week?
What's wrong?
Can we sit?
It's going to cost 500,000 yen per time.
In vitro?
Yes.
And there aren't many who succeed on the first try.
You went to the hospital?
When?
Two days ago.
And?
-They want to test the male partner next. -Me?
Did you explain our situation?
I couldn't.
I don't think it would've made a difference.
Why not?
Kumi.
You really want a child...
don't you?
It was like a threat.
Threat?
I mean, it was like it was expected that we'd do anything to have a child.
And that if we didn't, we weren't serious about it.
I see.
That happens when it comes to kids.
Like competing to see who sacrificed the most for their kids.
But everyone takes that as a given, don't they?
We have to be like that, right?
Kumi.
Let's go to Misasa Hot Springs next week.
We've seen a lot of different parents as teachers.
We said that problem children aren't the parents' fault,
it's the teacher's.
I still believe that.
But...
to be honest, there are some parents who I think are at fault.
Anyway, I'm not trying to say our kid is going to turn out like that.
I understand what you're trying to say.
Miss Kumiko?
Long time no see.
What are you doing here?
I wanted to see you.
Can't believe you're in middle school now!
You're not mad at me?
Why would I be?
I didn't think you'd quit.
That wasn't your fault.
It was my own problem.
That's good then, but the old hag that replaced you is the worst!
Don't say old hag.
What else am I supposed to call an old hag?
I bought a cake.
Come in then.
I can't seem to grow at all.
And I joined the basketball club.
You joined a club?
That's why I'm getting home late.
Right.
Seems like you're busy.
Thanks.
Can we eat it?
It looks so good!
Can I have this one then?
Yay.
What about a plate?
I don't want to wash it afterwards.
It's so good!
I'm glad you like it.
Where's your mom?
Apparently this boyfriend is a keeper this time.
I see.
You don't need to feel sorry for me.
That's what you were thinking.
Have some, too.
Thanks.
I can have that one?
Thanks.
You know,
I've never felt my mother loved me.
-So-- -What?
For real? You're the one we should be sorry for.
Then, can I stop by and hang out again?
Okay.
Can I have another one?
-I'll take this one. -You sure?
What do you like?
-Chocolate. -Chocolate?
Okay, I'll bring by lots of chocolates next time.
Yay!
These are for Haruka and Madoka.
I'll be sure they get them.
Thank you.
We decided not to have kids.
What are you saying?
You can't just drop that on us so nonchalantly!
I'm sorry.
Does Kenichi not want kids?
Neither of us do.
What do you mean you don't want kids?
You can’t just leave things like that.
What did his parents say?
We haven't told them yet.
I knew it.
I figured that was the case.
Remember at your wedding
how much his mom talked about becoming a grandmother?
You must.
Think it over. It's not like you can't, right?
You might not want them now, but I promise you you'll regret it later!
We can't.
We can't have children.
You can't? What about a doctor?
Have you seen one?
There's loads of fertility treatments out there!
There are, but they won't work.
What?
Who can't?
It's me. It's because of my body.
This is what we both decided.
This isn't just an issue between the two of you!
I feel so sorry for his parents.
So, when are you going to go apologize?
To his parents!
-I'm not. -How could you not go apologize?
We'll both go with you.
This is also our responsibility
for giving birth to someone in your condition.
I feel so bad.
In any case, I will do all the talking for you.
It's best you don't say anything until then.
I don't want you saying something that gets you divorced!
We live in different times.
That doesn't matter!
That's just how large an issue children are.
Just tell them your parents would like to see them to catch up.
Yes, we'll say we were planning to visit Tokyo anyway.
Got it?
I'm home.
Hi.
You got home early.
How did it go?
Your mom, huh?
She said she wants to meet your parents.
Mine?
I guess it's been since the wedding. Okay, I'll call them.
Let me get changed.
This is the kneading bowl.
Sex isn't love.
Ever since we agreed that day,
we were able to go back to enjoying our lives again.
Welcome.
Thank you for the meal.
It's good.
Yeah.
You know this part, right?
-Ms. Kumiko. -Yes?
-Can you teach me, too? -Sure.
After reuniting with Miyuki,
I started working as an after-school instructor.
-This is a rose. -A rose!
-Please teach me. -You guys practice too hard.
And I take care of the students Kenichi would bring by the house.
I'm not a teacher,
but I started interacting with children again.
What?
My husband's penis still won't fit.
And even though we couldn't have children,
I felt we were happy enough.
What are you thinking about?
About tomorrow?
I think they're going to talk about kids.
What a pain.
Yeah.
Oh, well.
I guess we aren't the only ones affected by our decision about children.
Impressive, right?
You've got strong abs!
Are you okay?
I just assumed you'd come pick us up in your car.
Sorry, but traffic is really bad around this time.
How much farther is it?
Not much.
Honestly.
If you have to wait for us anyway, why don't you just walk slower?
Wait, Dad, take a left here.
Why are you walking in front if you don't know where you're going?
Take over for me, Ken.
Here.
Should we serve green tea instead?
Either's fine.
Honey, have you changed?
We should've taken them out somewhere instead.
What should we do about dinner?
They'll leave before then.
Well, we can't just kick them out.
Honey, get changed!
I've already changed.
Calm down, will you?
I can't help it.
I feel so ashamed.
It's right ahead.
Hold on.
What is it?
What do you mean?
It's polite to show up slightly later than the agreed upon time!
You can't smoke on the streets, Dad.
Then where can I smoke?
You should just quit.
I've had enough of you.
Come on, let's just go.
Wait.
Welcome!
It's good to see you again!
It's been such a long time!
-Invite them in already. -Please come in.
Excuse us.
-Thank you. -I'm sorry it's so small.
Good to see you again.
What a lovely home!
-Tokyo is so different! -You can put your umbrellas there.
-Kenichi, get some slippers out. -Thank you.
You're too kind.
Please, come in.
-Thank you. -The rain must have been awful!
Thank you.
Welcome.
Thank you.
Here you go.
Thank you.
-Thank you very much. -Please, come in.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
Really?
Don't mind us.
Thank you.
Please make yourselves comfortable.
Please don't mind us!
It's so humid these days.
I'd like to invite you all to our home next time
to see the fireflies.
We'd love to.
It isn't much, but we brought you a gift.
Oh, thank you very much.
Look what they got us.
Would you have preferred coffee?
Either is fine with us.
We've come to offer an apology after all.
Apology?
About the children.
We're truly very sorry!
Wait a second, what are you talking about?
We're so very sorry.
We never knew Kumiko would have an issue.
We truly had no idea.
One moment, please. Kenichi?
It's not exactly Kumi's fault.
Really? Isn't that what the doctor said?
I thought you were the issue, Kenichi.
Well,
it's not a reproductive issue.
We simply don't want to have children.
So, you could if you changed your mind?
Oh, really? Thank goodness!
I was so worried that I gave birth to a daughter who couldn't have children,
and that Kenichi would divorce her.
I wouldn't divorce her because she couldn't have children.
What? I thought she could?
I'm saying hypothetically.
Then you'll give us an heir, Kumiko?
We said we're not having kids.
Why not, Ken?
It's what we decided together.
We don't need children in our relationship.
What's that supposed to mean?
We don't want to be defined by parenthood.
We want to continue our relationship as two untethered people.
There you go with that garbage again.
I'm sorry, Kumi.
No, that's okay. I feel the same way.
Did Kenichi brainwash you again?
Brainwash? You make it sound like Kenichi is deceiving her.
Well, isn't that obviously the case here?
Even making Kumiko lie to us that it was her fault.
-That was-- -Hold on a second!
My Kenichi covered for Kumiko and said he was the reason!
Because he did something so bad that he had to cover for her!
Kenichi, you know how they say children hold marriages together.
Yes.
You must have heard how my wife and I don't get along,
but it's because of our children that we were able to make it.
I understand what you're saying. But we can make it without kids.
You can only say that while things are going well.
That's not true.
Don't assume it's true for us because it was true for you.
That right there! That's why I opposed this marriage.
Kenichi is so good at saying what Kumiko wants to hear.
You make Kenichi sound like a conman!
-Well, I feel pretty deceived, too. -Hold on a second.
How exactly were you deceived?
Yes! If anyone was deceived here, it's us!
Why did you have to quit your job if it wasn't to start a family?
-Making Kenichi support you both! -That's why I said they were too young!
Getting married after starting a career is too soon!
So, it's Kenichi's fault again?
-Of course! -He's a smooth talker!
-I object to your choice of words! -Hardly the issue!
I never knew why anyone would want to marry Kumiko.
What?
Then you admit that your daughter is at fault!
I see where Kenichi gets his sharp tongue!
Your daughter is exactly like you.
What? Is that supposed to be an insult that she's like her parents?
They say to look at the parents before you marry. Oh, poor Kenichi!
You mean poor Kumiko!
Yes!
Stop playing coy! You guys must be doing it all the time!
Don't be crass!
Sorry, my bad.
There's no greater joy for a woman than childbirth!
-And you took it away from her! -We said we wanted an heir!
-You convince your son then! -Don't shift the blame!
Spoken like a person avoiding responsibility!
Who's irresponsible?
-Are you not? -What!
He vowed to make my daughter happy.
-That's just a platitude! -See! Won't take responsibility!
-Kumiko, you can divorce him! -I'm hoping she does!
No point in being married if they're not having kids!
-That's a little hasty. -Yes.
First try to convince them to have children!
It doesn't matter what you say!
His penis...
won't fit inside me!
I can't believe it.
Crap!
I can't stop laughing!
People really do go slack-jaw when they're shocked.
Stop.
My stomach hurts from laughing.
NINE YEARS LATER
The fox jumped as high as he could.
But he still could not reach the grapes.
Next, he took a step back before jumping.
Go!
He was able to jump a little higher than before.
But he still couldn't reach the grapes.
In English they say "sour grapes."
It means someone who's unable to admit defeat.
However,
he still couldn't give up.
Will the day ever come for Kenichi and I when we both can say
that those grapes are truly sour
and it's not just us unable to admit defeat?
I don't care at all.
Early menopause?
Yes. If they don't treat it, my menstruation will end.
They can fix it?
More like delay it.
What kind of treatment?
They supplement you with estrogen and other hormones.
Shouldn't you do that?
Apparently it lowers the risk of osteoporosis and dementia.
But there are side effects and increased risks of breast cancer.
So, they both have their pros and cons.
What is it?
Well, you make it sound like it's not happening to you.
You're not just pretending not to care, right?
Well, it doesn't really matter to me either way.
Really? But they say it's a shock.
You mean not being a woman anymore?
Yeah.
Well, I suppose that's possible.
But when they first told me I won't be menstruating anymore,
I thought that it made sense.
If you think about it,
my body has been performing this unnecessary function this whole time.
And it's finally realized it.
I don't mean this as a threat,
but we should think about it one last time.
We...
definitely don't want kids, right?
Well,
I don't know.
Can you say for sure?
Good point.
There are no absolutes with how we feel.
But...
I don't think I'll regret not having kids of our own.
Thanks for waiting.
What did the doctor say?
She said I was still 38.
Do I really want to give up?
And what did you say?
I told her,
we had nothing to give up.
We don't need sour grapes.
Oh, the fox from Aesop's fable?
Yes.
But...
I don't want them even if they aren't sour.
No matter how sweet?
I don’t need them.
Even though we don't have kids
or a sex life,
we are still husband and wife.
That's far more impressive than regular couples.
Right?
But is that us just making excuses and not wanting to admit defeat?
So what?
Does it matter if we are?
Translated by: Zensho Yamamoto