"Daddy, is Mommy in the sky now? Then... I'll become Mommy for you!" That's what my daughter Aoi said to comfort me when I was crying uncontrollably, holding my late wife's portrait. How many years has it been since then? It feels like it happened just yesterday. It's been over a decade since my beloved wife passed away. Aoi has now grown into a beautiful young woman. I was worried about her going through a rebellious phase, but she never did—secretly, I'm relieved. Time truly flies. Aoi is now at the age where she can become a mother herself. Aoi, you've come to resemble Mommy so much. I feel incredibly proud. After all, you promised me you'd become Mommy, didn't you? Mommy was a perfect woman. Her after-dinner coffee tasted better than any café's, and her foot massages were the best in the world. Oh yes, she happily sniffed Daddy's socks every day. And when Daddy took a bath, she'd lick every inch of his body clean. What's wrong, Aoi? You look like you've just woken from a nightmare. Come now, Aoi, take off your clothes. Why? Why, it's obvious, isn't it? I need to measure your body. Mommy used to do this, and you must become exactly the same size as her. Your lip width, your foot size, your areola size—all must match perfectly, or you can't truly replace Mommy, can you? "No, stop!"? Honestly. Is this your rebellion finally starting, Aoi? Well then, I suppose there's no choice. You need some discipline. "What are you holding?" Oh, this? This is a muscle relaxant that paralyzes the body. Don't worry—it'll just sting a little. ...Aoi, how does your body feel now? Oh dear, you're drooling. Such a helpless child.