Wanting to escape her abusive, alcoholic husband, Takiko fled her home and began a journey with Kazuaki. Their destination was Lake Ashi, where they planned to spend the night at a hot spring inn run by a friend, giving them time to think about the future. Having lost her parents and with nowhere else to go, Takiko chose to stay at the inn to calm her mind. Along the way, the two began kissing to ease their anxiety. Upon arrival, her friend, feeling sympathetic, arranged a luxurious room with an open-air bath. There, the pair forgot their fears and emotional wounds, finally enjoying a rare moment of happiness together.