Naoko grew up in an ordinary, unremarkable household and married her first love after graduating from junior college. They had a child together and lived a happy, dual-income life. However, as her husband's company prospered and his income increased, his late-night outings grew more frequent. Desperate to have children earlier, Naoko became increasingly dissatisfied with her husband's behavior, feeling on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She confided in a kind older neighbor who had always treated her gently, and that conversation marked the beginning of a new relationship.