Behind her bright smile and fiery orange hair always tied in a ponytail, Natsumi Obata carries a bittersweet story. Widowed at a young age, she dedicated her entire life to her one and only daughter, Yui. Now in her early 30s, she is a spirited homemaker who has mastered the art of embroidery, baking sponge cakes, and flower arranging. Her small home always smells of vanilla and cinnamon — a reflection of her warm heart. Yet behind her cheerful laughter and friendliness lies a quiet loneliness she never shows. She is the perfect mother in Yui’s eyes, but as a woman, Natsumi secretly longs for adult conversation and a cup of tea shared with someone, not alone. Until finally, Yui’s glasses-wearing friend starts coming over more often, unknowingly knocking on the door of her long-closed heart.

Tittle: Saimin Seishidou