Original subtitles

Are you from Ibata Printing?

The name's Tsukioka.

Nice to meet you, I'm Momose.

Pleasure working with you.

Likewise.

Had the rain let up?

Yes.

It must have been sweltering outside.

Somewhat.

Every year they say it's gotten hotter than the last.

Right.

Thank you for your time today.

I shall be back.

Thank you.

See you again.

Now that is some wasted potential.

How so?

He's good-looking, but not exactly the brightest guy I've met.

Yeah. His wishy-washy responses would only make me anxious.

To put it simply...

he's almost a winner, right?

Tsukioka?

Oh. Thank you for your help earlier.

Of course. Is everything alright?

Well...

Where's your mother?

- My daddy... - Your daddy?

Did he tell you to wait nearby?

Yeah...

Here, can you stand?

- Um - - I've got this. The police station is nearby.

We'll be seeing you again next week.

Right.

Let's find your dad, okay?

What's your name?

- Kakeru... - Kakeru?

Everything will be okay, we'll find your dad soon.

I promise.

Excuse me.

Thank you for helping him.

I took him to the station. They said his dad was on his way.

That's good to hear.

Were you waiting for me to return?

Yes.

I wanted to make sure everything was alright.

I'm sorry, I stopped at the store on my way back...

- No worries. Thank you again. - Of course.

Then I shall see you again next week.

Have a good day.

Thank you again.

See you soon.

Same ol' same ol', isn't he?

At least he's an upright, serious guy.

He is.

He's considerate, too. He comes to every meeting with documents he thinks we'll need.

- Does he now... - Does he now...

It's also easy to confide in him, because of his personality.

He's a modest guy, and never arrogant either.

But above all else, he's kind.

I'd be honored to work with you all again.

Likewise. Thank you for all your help.

Are you sure about letting him go?

You might not see him again.

I'd call this a job well done.

Now let's head on home.

She gave him such high praise, though...

I hope she won't regret this...

This is Momose, speaking.

This is Tsukioka.

Thank you for seeing me off earlier.

Of course.

Did you need something?

Will you still be at work for the day?

I believe I'll be wrapping up in about thirty minutes or so.

Would you happen to be busy afterwards?

Not particularly.

What's your favorite subject?

- Math. - Math?

I was never too good at math.

Mommy.

Thank you so much.

Of course. Bye bye.

Yayoi.

There's who I was waiting for.

- Did you know her? - Nope. I was just keeping her company.

I see.

You really like children, don't you?

And you seem like you'd struggle with them.

I wouldn't call them my forte, that's for sure.

But maybe that's a good trait for a parent to have.

You wouldn't treat your kid any lesser because they're children.

The thought makes me anxious.

It's something to look forward to.

It is.

I'm anxious, sure... but I do look forward to it.

[Where Does the Sea Begin]

Yayoi?

Let's go, Yayoi.

Yeah.

Excuse me, could she try this on?

Of course, right this way.

Thank you.

As her mother, you can head on in, too.

I can change alone.

Yes, she'll be fine.

Umi, let's stop by the restroom before we leave, okay?

Okay.

- I'll be right here. - Okay.

What?

She called you my mom.

She did. An honest mistake.

I guess you look like a Mommy.

Would you be happy if I really became your mother?

Yup.

I see.

Look, look!

Yayoi helped me choose!

You look cute.

Very nice.

Yayoi, what do you want to do about Umi?

What do you mean?

You look at-odds with yourself when you're with her.

Sorry, did I look cranky?

Maybe I was hungry.

You keep forcing yourself to smile, and act okay.

Do you want to break up?

Do you want to break up?

No, I don't.

Do you?

No.

And do you want me to become her mother?

I do.

Then that's that.

Yes?

Are you still at the office?

- Yup. - Can I come get you?

Sure.

Want to grab dinner?

There's a ramen place I've been eyeing.

The Nagumo's had plans tonight,

and are letting me take Umi out for dinner.

Oh...

I thought the three of us could go together, if you'd like to join.

Actually, I think I have a bit more work to do.

We'll wait.

It's okay, I don't want to keep Umi waiting.

Go on and enjoy dinner together.

- Umi! - Yamato!

I missed you!

I missed you too!

I need to use the bathroom.

- Can you go alone? - Yup.

Off you go then.

Is Yayoi really busy with work tonight?

I don't think so.

It seems like she doesn't want to be seen with Umi and I.

What? Why?

- Yes? - I'm sorry, did I catch you on your shift?

No, it's my day off.

I'm at the library because Umi visited.

I see.

I'm not with her right now, though.

What did you need?

Has Yayoi come to you about anything?

Oh.

She came asking about Nagumo's letter.

She didn't know if she should read it or not.

She thought it was addressed to someone who was to become Umi's mother.

I guess that's why she was so conflicted.

But for Nagumo to write her a letter at all...

Right.

I don't think the letter is about who is to become Umi's mother.

That's why I told her she should just read it.

Especially...

if she's conflicted about something.

Sorry about that.

Were you calling a friend?

Not exactly a friend, no.

Tsukioka.

Hey.

Thanks.

You feel suffocated when it's the three of us, right?

I told you, that's not it at all.

It's because I'm not being frank either, isn't it?

What, you still have secrets to spill?

When I first discovered I had a child...

I was frustrated with how complicated things had gotten.

I had hopes of eventually building a family together with you.

I wanted to spend our time now, just in each other's company.

Could you heat up the pan?

Except now, Umi has become just as important in my life.

And while I'd be happy if you were to become her mother...

I need to be honest with you.

At times, I thought your help would make it easier.

I was worried about becoming a parent, alone.

Could you grab some plates too?

I could tell you weren't comfortable with the situation.

But I wanted us to stay, as the three of us.

Except, I was oblivious to how inconsiderate I was being.

I kept bringing up Mizuki, even when you were around.

I said I would respect your feelings, but it was all talk.

I was forcing you into my comfort zone.

I was taking your kindness for granted.

Could you...

give me a moment?

I'm a bit overwhelmed right now.

There's too much I haven't been able to express.

Yeah.

I haven't reached a conclusive answer within myself either.

It is suffocating.

And that's why...

I don't know what it is I want to do.

Yeah.

Have you read Mizuki's letter?

Not yet.

I don't know what she wrote about.

But I don't think the letter is addressed to Umi's to-be mother.

I think it's addressed to someone, who even considered becoming a parent with me.

Yayoi...

I want you to read it.

Okay.

I don't want to break up.

I want the three of us to remain, together.

[Dear Natsu's Lover,]

Nice to meet you.

I'm sorry to get you caught in this chaotic whirlwind of events.

[To Natsu]

Natsu is Natsu, a real mumbler.

Umi is still young.

My mother has a short temper.

And my father is aloof.

You're surrounded by a real bunch of troublesome folk,

and I'm sure the ordeal must've been uncomfortable for you.

At first, when I discovered I was pregnant with Umi,

I had planned on aborting her.

That choice, was a result of being overly considerate of my partner at the time.

However, it so happened that I was influenced by a stranger,

and instead chose a future for the sake of my own happiness.

I choose Umi, over Natsu himself.

Thanks to my decision, I gave birth to Umi...

We're home!

- We're home. - and we began our life together.

Umi, don't run!

Every time I see Umi...

Every time I speak to her...

Every time I even think of her...

I am reminded of how correct my choice was.

I'm a bit remiss to call my life a "happy one", what with how short it's been.

And I certainly don't want strangers to misconstrue my life

as a happy one either.

- Mommy. - Yeah?

Read me a book?

Sure, I'll be right there.

Okay.

Still...

If there's one truth I can say, with utmost confidence...

it's that my time spent with Umi, were moments of absolute happiness.

There's no such thing as a choice that will appease everyone.

But know this.

That's no reason to sacrifice yourself.

Do not become too kind to others.

Do not act like a person who acts out of understanding.

Please, allow yourself to be a bit selfish. Make this choice yourself.

And no matter which path you choose...

know it will be for your own sake, and your own happiness.

Just as much as I wish for happiness upon Umi and Natsu...

know that I also wish for your happiness, with all my heart.

[To Natsu's Lover]

That's not a necessary letter, is it?

It absolutely is.

She's the reason you decided not to let them meet, though.

It's not her fault.

She didn't do anything wrong.

It was ultimately my decision.

I'll take this one.

Will you be writing a letter to your parents as well?

No, I won't.

What about Umi?

Not her either.

I practically know the answer, but will I get one?

Nope.

You're heartless.

Natsu called me that, too.

When we broke up.

I won't be writing letters to people I get to see now.

Knowing I'm leaving nothing behind, makes me want to communicate with you all.

And I think it'll inspire me to live a little longer, too.

Then do that.

I will.

And if you do meet them, make sure to get along, okay?

With Natsu?

This person, too.

No.

I don't want to think about that.

- Thanks for having me. - Yeah.

Sure has been rainy, huh?

Look at me, talking about the weather instead.

What's in all the bags?

First, this.

It's not the best, but I tried.

Looks great.

- Umi will love it. - You think so?

- Yeah. - That's a relief.

I also got some recommendations for workbooks from a friend working in publishing.

I was worried you'd think I was meddling, so I just kept them.

But I'll give them to you now.

Sure.

And look at this.

It's a dolphin.

It's cute.

- Right? - Yeah.

I was going to buy some sticky notes, but brought this to the cashier instead.

I got so embarrassed. I mean, I'm an adult.

So I lied, and said it was a present for my niece. Not that the cashier cared.

She'll love it.

You're welcome.

Thank you, for thinking of Umi.

Of course.

Do you need a bit more time?

I wanted to believe I was being useful to someone.

If I thought someone absolutely needed me,

I could rest easy in my acceptance over that fact.

At first, I felt like I belonged.

I enjoyed our time together, as the three of us.

I felt like I could become the mother I always yearned to be.

I had no qualms with the three of us, together.

So then...

Until, I realized it wasn't just us three.

Mizuki is always here.

And once I realized this, it felt like I was stealing from her.

I'm the one person who never knew Mizuki.

It makes me feel left out.

Like I'm alienated from the crowd.

You're right.

Spending time together with Umi...

became suffocating.

But?

But...

I love you.

I think Umi is cute.

I want to become a mother.

I don't want to break up.

I want to stay with you.

But staying hurts.

It hurts, but I like feeling needed.

When I was mistaken for her mother,

I was both happy, and hurt all at once.

Because I was allowed to act as a mother...

even though I'd never become Mizuki.

I was jealous.

I know her struggles far outweighed mine...

But I envy her all the same.

Every time you would say "Mizuki",

every time Umi would call for her "Mommy"...

I felt jealous. I felt bitter.

And all those emotions slowly piled up.

I love you both, I really do.

But staying with you both...

makes me hate myself.

I can truly tell you want us three to stay together.

And I'm happy you feel that way.

I really am.

Except...

I wanted it to just be us.

Oh no, this was supposed to be for Umi...

Sorry.

What else?

There's more you want to say, isn't there?

I won't become Umi's mother.

Yeah.

Tsukioka...

I want to break up.

And you?

You also have more to say, right?

I know I made you hold it all in.

So let it out.

If the three of us can't be together...

If...

If I have to choose...

I'll choose Umi.

Yeah.

I'm glad you will.

I made my choice for a similar reason.

I would either lead a life I wouldn't regret,

at the price of leaving the man I loved.

Or live to suffer, for the sake of you both.

And when faced with those choices...

I chose myself.

I didn't choose either of you.

We came to the same conclusion.

And I'm glad we did.

I'll be heading home now.

See you.

Wait.

I'll see you to the station.

Looks like the rain let up.

Can I, until the day ends?

Once I see you to the station...

I promise to end it there.

I'll forget about Umi as well.

Just until the day ends.

Okay.

This rain sure makes the air all muggy, does it not?

Indeed.

How has work been?

Well, I work as a salesman.

I know.

And my superiors reprimand me for not enunciating myself.

I see.

I wonder if it's not the job for me.

Personally, I was quite glad to do business with you,

and that's the truth.

And then Ayako's phone alarm went off,

blasting the most ridiculously jolly song I've ever heard.

While she was getting reprimanded?

Exactly. I could almost see her face turn blue.

Now it's just something we laugh about, though.

Do you make fun of her for it still?

All the time.

We even used it as backing music at her surprise birthday party.

You're a horrible coworker.

I have it recorded.

Can't remember the name of the song though...

Oh.

The day's over.

Although, I guess the day isn't over until the last train comes.

Yeah.

Until the last train.

Yup.

It's still today.

It hasn't ended yet.

It's been so long since we've talked like this.

Right?

It's been a long time.

Sorry, could you let go for a bit? My hands are getting sweaty.

I read Mizuki's letter.

That's when I decided we should break up.

What had she written about?

She advised me to make a choice, for the sake of my own happiness.

I was so jealous of Mizuki,

yet now I've come to like her.

That's why...

I won't have to harbor any ill will towards Umi either.

I'm glad I read it.

Attention passengers.

The express train bound for Shinjuku will be arriving at platform 3.

I think I'll get on this next train.

This isn't the last train.

Let me explain this to Umi, okay?

I'll tell her we parted ways myself.

Let's talk a bit more.

If you ever need help...

you can come to me, okay?

I'm not trying to cut you both out of my life, or anything like that.

Of course, the best case scenario would be if Umi got a mother though.

Yayoi, I -

You can do this.

You can do this, dad.

I'm rooting for you.

I'm glad I could experience what it was like to be a mother...

even if it was only temporary.

And that's the whole truth.

I really, honestly mean it.

Good luck.

The Shinjuku-bound express train will be departing platform 3 shortly.

Welcome.

Umi.

Hello there.

I'm still in my pajamas.

I told you to get changed, didn't I?

Dear, you need to change.

Go on and get changed.

Okay.

Is everything alright?

I want the two of us to live together.

I promise to treasure her with my life.

I'll prioritize her...

above all else.

I promise, I'll do my best.

Of course you will.

I wouldn't allow for anything less.

Right.

Natsu!

She's calling for you.

Come on in.

[Next Episode]

I plan on raising her, alone.

I don't wanna transfer.

Mommy's gone, and a lot changed.

But I have to change more?

She is our precious granddaughter. Our daughter's daughter.

Determination and responsibility won't raise a kid, you know?

You broke up with Natsu. So please, become happy, okay?

Yayoi, I understand how you felt. Like you were stealing Umi and I away from Mizuki.

Don't leave me, okay?