Wife Satomi, neglected by her husband due to his busy work schedule, grows increasingly lonely. Observing her emotional turmoil, her father-in-law, Ginji, tries to prevent her from spiraling into despair by confronting her with harsh words, understanding her frustrations and stress. Though usually kind, Ginji's rugged, dominant nature—forged from his past as a mountaineer—awakens something in Satomi, stirring her deeply. Overcome with emotion, she pleads through tears, "Please scold me more—I'm such a worthless woman." Hoping to mend the strained relationship between his son and daughter-in-law, and to remind them of the importance of family bonds, Ginji takes out the ropes he once used in mountain climbing and tightly binds Satomi in a tortoiseshell rope restraint.