On a beach chair by the shore, Masaru leaned deep into the backrest and let out a long breath. He had driven three and a half hours from Tokyo—it was his first long drive since getting his driver's license. At the water's edge, a woman in a swimsuit joyfully leaped into the waves, playing with the sea. That woman was Masaru's mother, Izumi. Wearing a tiny bikini, she laughed like a child. Watching her smile, Masaru felt a little embarrassed. Then Izumi called out cheerfully, "Hey Masaru! Don't just sit there—come on in and join me in the ocean!" Hesitant at first, Masaru felt his heart stir at the sight of his mother's lively energy.