Misakilivesinaruraltownsituatedamonglush,greenmountainsbeneathaclearbluesky.DespitegraduatingfromauniversityinTokyo,shewasunabletofindthejobshehopedforduetothelackofemploymentopportunitiesthatbefellhergeneration.Justabouteverythinghasgonebadlyforherandnowsheisonthevergeofturning40.However,shehasdreamsofmarryingheraging,handicappedmotherMitsuko'scareworker,Naoki,whopaysvisitstotheirhome.HerclandestinemeetingswithNaokiareoneofMisaki'soasesfromMitsuko'sharshday-to-dayverbalabuse.TheotheristhebeefarmrunbyherchildhoodfriendKaori.ThehoneyKaoridiligentlyworkstomakeissweet,mild,andsoothing.ButthenMisakiiscruellybetrayedbyNaoki.AndKaoriabruptlydies.TheseeventsdriveMisaki'shearttothebrinkofbursting."Whydidshehavetodie?"