Original subtitles

For Tsugumi's sake,

I think it's best if you stay at your parents' place.

I think the people who love you most are...

them.

Wow!

What a big house!

Remember,

I'm your mom and you're Tsugumi.

I know.

Tsugumi?

Nao.

Mom, Nao is here!

- Hello. - Shouldn't you say "I'm home?"

I'm home.

Welcome home.

Come in.

I won't ask what happened in Hokkaido.

You're a responsible person.

There must be a good reason why you're not with the father.

Still,

why didn't you tell me about her till now?

I didn't want to make you worried.

Not knowing about it is way more...

It's not easy to become a mother.

By going through the pains of delivery, breastfeeding,

diaper changing and comforting her in the middle of the night,

you develop love for your child.

Yet, you chose not to...

I'm sure you know what I'm talking about...

But it's the same for a grandchild.

You develop love by helping to raise the grandchild.

How can I act like a grandma all of a sudden...

I'm sorry.

Tsugumi wants some juice.

Tsugumi.

- I want to ask you something. - What is it?

Will you call me grandma?

Yes.

Grandma!

Oh my!

Her cheeks are so soft!

Excuse me.

Yes.

Do you carry local papers?

If you push this key, you can open them.

Thank you very much.

You're forgetful.

I'm sorry.

It'll be just for a little while until I find a new place.

A new place?

You're not living here?

I don't want to cause you any trouble...

What trouble?!

Sorry, Nao.

I thought...

I raised you, Mei, and Kaho equally.

I know.

I appreciate that, mom.

Causing trouble is not something you should be ashamed of.

Because it means you know your mother loves you, right?

You can ask for my help.

I'm your only mother, you know.

What are you guys talking about?

She's fallen asleep.

Tsugumi.

Let her sleep.

Here.

Why are you acting like you've never held her before?

She got heavier recently.

Mm?

What happened here?

She got it from practicing the horizontal bar.

- Good night. - Good night.

Don't you think Nao has changed a little?

She became soft.

It's like she had a jackknife stuck in her heart before that.

Nao has become a mother.

It's not easy to become a mother.

This is not for sale or stream.

Episode 4

Nao and Tsugumi. Episode 4

Nao and Tsugumi.

Don't let him find out you're a single mother tonight, okay?

What are you going to do about Tsugumi's education?

You haven't enrolled her yet, right?

Not yet.

Mom will teach me.

Yeah?

But you go to school not just for studying.

Learning to make friends there is taking the first step into society.

- I can do it if you want. - It's okay, I'll do it.

Who will watch Tsugumi while you're at work?

- You'll be all right by yourself, right? - I wanna go to Mrs. Forgetful's.

Mrs. Forgetful?

There's a lady who often plays with Tsugumi.

She's really nice to her.

Kaho.

Babysit her today.

Sure.

You can't leave her with a stranger.

Bye.

Have a good day!

Sorry about that.

Isn't it so funny?

Yeah, it's funny.

Education Division

Here you go. Education Division

Thank you very much. Education Division

Education Division

I know you have the ten needed for this. Throw it out.

What should I do...

Hello.

- Hi. - Hello.

You must be tired.

Since my boss is useless, I have to do the most of the work.

He must be relying on you.

I cooked them. Try some.

But mom and Nao made them.

Maybe I should show him a picture of Mei during her race queen days.

I'll kill you.

I'm kidding.

Does Tsugumi have anything she dislike?

Nope.

Let's eat.

Tsugumi, eat as much as you want.

She doesn't like shiitake mushrooms?

You said she eats anything.

She shouldn't be a picky eater.

That's true.

Is your dad still at work?

He's currently at an outstation bank branch, right?

Yup.

I heard daughters resemble their father.

- I wonder who our baby will look like. - Probably you, Keigo.

- Come out already! - It shouldn't.

Just joking.

Do you prefer a girl or a boy?

A girl, I guess.

Nice.

I'm exhausted.

- Why? - Because I was being so cautious.

So cute. It looks good on you.

Say thank you.

Thank you, grandma.

Sure.

Wow, she looks so cute!

I got you a lot of stuff. Look, clothes, shoes, pen case...

- Really? - Yeah.

Wow, there's a lot!

- Can I open them? - Sure.

Yay!

- Thanks. - No problem.

Nao.

Have you enrolled her yet?

I will, soon.

Okay, do it quick.

Don't. It's bad for the baby.

I thought I could finally relax.

- I wonder if she's hiding something. - What?

Nao.

Oh.

She might be, like having an affair.

An affair would be fine, but what if she's running away from loan sharks?

She hasn't even enrolled Tsugumi yet.

Just ask her.

- One wrong word and she might leave here... - She can leave if she wants.

- What? But Nao is... - "Nao this, Nao that!"

You're annoying!

Wow, so cute!

Will I get to learn times tables if I go to school?

Yeah, I'm sure you will.

2 x 6 = 12

You memorized them?

I memorized up till the 2 times table.

But not the 3 times table yet.

So cute!

What did you say, Mei?!

I just told you.

Explain it, Mei!

What's wrong?

It's not a big deal.

Just that I might have to give up on the baby.

The doctor only said the baby might have a defect, right?

- You should take the close examination... - Forget about it.

- How can I do that?! - Why not?!

Nao got you a grandchild. Just forget about mine.

Mei!

- What?! - The baby can hear you!

Don't say something like that!

I'll go to the hospital with you.

So take the close examination.

Fine!

Mei, I'm sorry.

Since I have been back, I have taken up all of her time.

You can take over now.

What?

Mom seems to be happy to have you back.

I'm useless to her now.

What are you talking about...

You don't know?

Of the three of us, she cares for you the most.

She never scolds you, right?

When it comes to me, she never fails...

No...

You're misunderstanding.

I really don't care about the baby.

Well, if I abort, his parents would never even know I was pregnant.

I guess I'm lucky like that.

Done.

How's this?

Thank you.

It's your mom.

- Keep eating. - Okay.

Tsugumi.

You're Suzuhara Tsugumi, right?

Yes.

I'm your mother's friend.

Sorry to give you trouble.

Don't worry.

We're eating out right now.

I'm going to get my aunt.

You don't have school today?

You're a second grader, right?

Why are you not in school?

Well...

because we just moved here.

I see.

Going to school is mandatory, you know.

Your mom might be caught by the police.

What should I do?

Can I go tell the police?

Then,

if you answer my questions honestly, I won't go to the police.

Okay?

What's your mom's name?

Su... Suzuhara...

Nao.

Are you sure?

If you lie, Yama♪ will cut your tongue off.

Yama: God of death who passes judgment on people upon their death. If you lie, Yama♪ will cut your tongue off.

If you lie, Yama♪ will cut your tongue off.

I'm not lying.

Okay.

Then...

Do you know this person?

Do you?

I don't know him.

Then...

how about her?

Who's this lady?

I don't know her.

She is...

the mother of a girl named Michiki Rena.

Do you know Michiki Rena?

I wonder where she is right now.

Rena was...

Rena was what?

Rena was drowned at sea and died.

She drowned at sea...

I see.

She did.

All right.

Then,

will you tell your mom that you met me?

Tell her I'll come see her.

All right?

- Are you...? - Oh, hi.

- What are you doing here? - Why are you here yourself?

I'm eating lunch with her.

Your daughter?

No, she's my niece.

Oh.

Mm? What's wrong?

Going to the bathroom?

What a coincidence.

- It's been a while. - Can I sit here?

Sure.

I was really surprised to run into you here.

Tsugumi.

I'm sorry.

Is something wrong?

Mrs. Forgetful...

Mrs. Forgetful!

- Tsugumi... - Mrs. Forgetful...

Mrs. Forgetful...

Tsugumi.

I'm sorry, I can't find her!

I'll be there right away.

- What happened? - I don't know.

She disappeared all of a sudden...

I was talking with a reporter I met in Muroran, and then...

I'll go to the police.

Don't.

I'll go, so wait at the house.

Did you find her?

Yes.

I'm with Tsugumi right now.

Eh?

Your mom will be here soon.

Want some snacks?

Elementary school girl is missing at sea in Muroran

Tsugumi!

Wait, Tsugumi.

I'm on your side.

Do you understand?

I trust your mom.

Even if she's lying?

Yes,

I'll still trust your mom.

You're not going to the police?

Tsugumi...

Do you love your mom?

Yes.

What number does she hold in your heart?

Right.

She's your mother.

She should be your first.

I won't go to the police.

I'm really sorry.

Where's Tsugumi?

She's been found!

What a relief!

- Mom! - Tsugumi!

Tsugumi.

Where did you get lost?

Mom.

Let's go.

Mrs. Forgetful...

said she is on our side.

Tsugumi.

We might not be able to stay here anymore.

Can we take the night train again?

I'm sorry.

I know you like your new backpack.

Wait!

Wait.

Wait!

I'm on your...

Mrs. Mochizuki.

Would you forget about us?

Eh?

Please pretend you never met us.

If I ever get caught somewhere...

I won't mention about you.

Hold on.

Don't give up yet.

There has to be a way.

My family is becoming suspicious that she hasn't gone to school yet.

There's a reporter following us too.

I might end up involving my family if we stay here.

Let's go.

She can go to school.

Don't...

You can't keep on running.

You have to find a way to stay here.

You have to find a way to live normally.

She can go to school.

3 x 2 = 6

3 x 3 = 9

3 x 4 = 12

3 x 5...

Reading in the dark is bad for your eyes.

Mom, listen to this.

3 x 1 = 3

3 x 2 = 6

3 x 3 = 9

3 x 4 = 12

3 x 5 = 15

You memorized them?

I think I'll be fine.

I don't think I need to go to school.

3 x 6 =... 18

3 x 7 = 21

3 x 8 =...

Sumire Barbershop

She can go to school.

Tsugumi's real name is...

Michiki Rena.

Okay.

She was being abused by...

her mother and her mother's boyfriend.

They've almost healed completely.

But when I met her,

she had bruises and burns all over her body.

So you rescued her.

I had been...

just an observer.

In this world,

there are abusers and those they abuse.

But there are many more observers.

I was...

one of those observers.

Even when hearing a child screaming in the middle of the night,

they feel bad, but still they won't help the child.

I was like that too.

So, why did you do it?

It might have just been coincidence.

But if I hadn't been there,

she might...

she might be dead by now.

I'm not trying to justify what I'm doing.

I'm an observer who became a criminal, that's all.

There are things that laws and rules can't protect.

You just did...

But I can't do anything for her.

I had never done anything for anyone before.

All I...

could do was run away with her.

Let's let her go to school.

But tell me one thing first.

Ever heard of "The love on a suspension bridge?"

When two people cross a suspension bridge...

they feel a mutual bond because of the dangers they went through together.

Okay.

However,

once they finish crossing the bridge,

those feelings disappear.

It's not like that.

If you're getting carried away right now...

you will become tiresome and abandon her...

I won't.

I...

won't become like my real mother.

It's true that...

I initially acted on impulse...

and before I realized it, we were already on a train, with me playing the role of her mother.

But I have changed.

How so?

I'm not trying to play the role of her mother.

I'm trying to become one.

It's only been 20 days...

so it might be just my imagination.

But...

when...

I was holding her hands the other night,

I realized that...

she grew a little bigger.

She became a little heavier.

She grew bigger...

while I was taking care of her as her mother.

It's normal for a child to grow.

But I was simply happy because of that.

I will...

never let go of her hand.

I see.

Okay.

I want to let her go to school.

Listen.

A proper education should be the number one priority regardless of the circumstances.

Due to domestic violence or debt,

there are people who cannot transfer their residence registry and exceptions are made for them.

You can enroll her in a school without providing your true identity.

I can...?

Yes, if you provide the information of the person who is caring for her,

a co-habitation certificate will be issued.

Co-habitation certificate?

But,

what if they check my background...

I'll be her guardian.

Eh?

I've been living here and paying taxes for more than ten years.

But won't that get you in trouble?

I'll forget what I just heard from you.

All I want is to let Tsugumi go to school.

Just like you do.

'Morning, Mrs. Forgetful!

Good morning.

Good mor...

What happened to your eye?

It's nothing.

I appreciate your help.

Don't worry.

What's your relationship with the mother, Mrs. Mochizuki?

She's the daughter of a friend I've known her for a long time.

You can't provide us your true identity because...

you're running away from your ex-husband, correct?

That's correct.

She transfered her residence registry before, but he used it to tracked her down.

So you volunteered to be her guardian?

Yes.

Since the child's safety must be a priority.

I see.

Was your father scary?

Have you ever seen your mother get beaten by him?

How about you?

- Have you been... - I'm sorry.

- Please do not ask such questions... - I'm required to.

Since this is a preferential measure, I have to make sure your claim is legitimate.

Was your father violent?

He would hit my stomach...

and my hands...

Please excuse us.

I can't give you the approval like that.

You can't provide her ID nor the details...

Please. She only wants to go to...

Maybe you should go to the police and follow the proper...

She can't do that.

Please give us the approval...

Ma'am, I'm afraid...

That bruise is from...

her ex-husband's attacks.

I'm begging you.

Thank you so much.

I was surprised.

Does it hurt?

When you found out about us,

why didn't you go to the police?

It's because...

I had already heard about your past.

Besides, we were already close.

But,

I'm a criminal who kidnapped somebody's child.

That makes me...

your accomplice, huh.

I don't mind.

Mom!

These are for you.

And these are for you.

Wow, they're beautiful.

Thank you, Tsugumi.

I still remember the warmth of...

her hands.

'Morning, Yuki!

'Morning, Shogo!

Bye bye!

Have fun!

'Morning!

Usually, a heart has two sets of chambers called atriums and ventricles, found on both sides.

However, your unborn baby's heart doesn't have the wall in the middle,

resulting in only one ventricle.

The baby can be saved with surgery, or face possible death when it turns a month old.

Aborting the pregnancy is another option.

You're at 20 weeks right now, so it's only two weeks left if you want to abort.

Should you prioritize your baby's life,

a surgery called a Fontan procedure can be performed when the baby gains enough weight.

Is it a difficult surgery?

We won't know until the baby's born.

Anyway, discuss it with the baby's father...

I don't...

need to talk to him.

I'll get an abortion.

Miss Suzuhara!

We meet again.

The funeral of Michiki Rena was held today.

Mei!

Hold on.

Talk to Keigo before you make the decision.

You don't get it.

He'll break the engagement.

But the baby's life is at stake.

You're making it a big deal.

Besides, it's not big enough to be called a 'life'.

Don't look at me like that.

I feel like I'm the one who is the criminal.

What do you want?

I actually respect you.

When I went to her house in Muroran, I noticed it right away.

I've seen many abusive families in my line of work.

It's messed up.

I know many cases where the abused child dies while authorities were processing the paperwork.

What are you trying to say?

I've also pondered over it before.

The only way to save children in hopeless situations is...

to help the children escape from their parents.

But nobody will actually do that.

So all you can do is just ponder.

Despite all that...

you've actually made it a reality.

Right now it's a trivial accident that happened in the country.

Once this gets exposed,

it will become a media circus.

Pictures of Michiki Rena will be everywhere.

Well, once you go to jail, people will forget about you.

But it won't be the case for her.

All eyes will be on her.

She might be forced to go back to her mother,

or be sent to a foster home and...

What do you want from me?

All you need is...

to ask this lady to do a favor.

Ask your mother...

to come up with 10 million yen.

Mom!

Over here!

Ready?

Mom!