About ten years ago, after Manami's husband and Mari's father, Toshiki, died in an accident, they became a single-parent family. They have been living and supporting each other ever since.
Manami
Their life was barely scraping by. They were being crushed by financial hardship.
Manami
Mari, I'm so sorry. I at least wanted to let you graduate from high school...
Manami apologized, crying.
Mari
It's okay, Mom. I'll work too.
Mari, also crying, clung to Manami.She had been prepared for the day she would have to drop out of high school.
And now, that day was finally becoming a reality.
Characters
Manami
A woman in her mid-40s. She is cheerful, kind, and compassionate.
you is the younger brother of her late husband, Toshiki, making them sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
Mari
A second-year high school student.
A kind and cheerful girl. She is devoted to her mother. She and you are uncle and niece.