Original subtitles

"A day in the life of Sue"

Caffe latte.

No, wait.

Mocha.

Mocha. Hot mocha.

Which size would you like?

Grande...

no, tall.

A tall mocha. Please make your payment...

Umm...

and make the coffee stronger with a... what is it called?

-Espresso...? -A shot of espresso?

Certainly. Please pay over there.

Thank you for waiting. What would you like?

Can I get a short, hot soy latte to go, please?

Yes, certainly.

I make an effort to give my order in a single sentence.

"A day in the life of Mai"

I pretended not to see her.

Unforgivable.

"A day in the life of Sawako"

I'll upload it by the end of today.

Yes.

The illustrations are all done.

Yes.

Goodbye.

Where's the file...?

I really should slot these into a photo album.

The past is getting muddled.

"A day in the woods"

The air's so fresh!

Yeah.

Here you go, Mai.

Thanks.

Sit down.

Sue, your bread's delicious.

Shall we dig in then, Sawako?

We're digging in.

Go ahead.

Delicious. Leave it to a pro!

Sue has always been a good cook even back when we worked part-time together.

That's not true.

But I suppose I've always enjoyed cooking for people.

Here.

Thanks.

I wonder if that shop we worked at is still open.

The boss really exploited us.

That's right!

Just thinking about it makes me mad all over again.

Sue, this sauce is delicious.

Really? It's just stewed cherry tomatoes. Very simple.

Cherry tomatoes?

Bon Appetit.

A friend of mine just got married.

To a man ten years her junior.

Skin whitening cream?

A groom with a complexion better than the bride, can you imagine?

Hey, would you date a guy ten years younger?

No way.

It would only add to the things I have to worry about.

I still think it's best to date someone your age.

Sue?

Thanks.

Not for me, either.

However, I might consider if he looks a lot older than his years.

A man ten years younger who looks old? That's even worse.

You think so?

I think I'm okay with dating a college kid.

-Say what? -No way.

If marriage isn't the goal...

then why not have a little excitement?

Make sure you get the area behind your ears all the way to the nape.

All the way?

Very important.

Although this won't prevent us from becoming old hags.

That's true.

Thanks.

Let's take a picture.

Ready and...

Wait!

Sue-chan Mai-chan Sawako-san

"Delicious food to bring up memories of that special someone"

Our special today is walnut and chestnut tarte. It's 640 yen.

The rest of the menu is the same.

Okay, let's give our customers the best possible service today.

-Yes. -Yes.

Miss Morimoto? Can I finish tabulating the coffee data?

Sure.

Should I wipe your area?

I'll do it later, thanks.

Good morning.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

Good morning.

May I speak with you?

Miss Takeda, cut your nails. They're getting long.

Yes ma'm.

It's about the amount of coffee we ordered this month.

It's the same as last month...

But we have a lot left over.

I see.

Chika?

I think Boss scolds people based solely on their looks.

That's not true.

She just comes off a little harsh.

If she hates me, I'd be happy to quit.

This place will fall apart without you.

It's just a part-time job anyway.

You know something?

Boss was just singing your praises the other day.

I doubt that.

Remember that time you folded everyone's uniforms?

She said she was thankful to have people with skilled hands.

I worked in a clothing store before.

No wonder.

Your hands moved like a pro.

Hey, want to go out for lunch today?

Say Tonki's pork cutlets.

Really?

"Look, sister."

"Go ahead and quit, see if I care."

That's what I was thinking, frankly.

Faking being nice isn't a bad thing if it's for the job, right?

Miss Morimoto?

Alert me when the people on this list arrive.

Okay.

And pass out your name cards.

Okay.

This company's important, right?

You bet.

Is there any priority?

They are all important.

Okay.

You'll find our support services to be very comprehensive.

We'll take a look.

Thank you.

You dropped your card.

Thank you very much.

I must have forgotten to pick it up when I dropped my bag.

Why is your personal email on here?

In case I meet someone cute.

This is not a singles bar.

Excuse me!

How do you do?

I'm Okamura.

Your card.

Thank you very much.

To be honest, I'm more concerned with my work performance...

and not getting fired than I am with meeting someone.

I'm Okamura.

Shall we stand up?

Hold on a moment.

Okay.

Ready to stand, Mom?

Ready and...

Can you lie down for me?

Yes.

-Okay. -Okay.

Thanks, I can handle it from here. You've got work to do, right?

I'll be at it all night.

You're home, Mee!

Mee. Welcome home, Mee!

Where in the world did you run off to?

Mee, I envy your freedom.

Well, I'm a cat.

Isn't that right?

You've gotten yourself all dirty.

If I were to get married...

that would leave Mom to take care of Grandma by herself.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Leaving us again?

How nice it would be to be able to just go as one pleased.

Hello, Mai?

Sue? What's up?

Well, you know our plan to have a pot stew party next Thursday?

Sawako can't make it.

How disappointing.

Her mother needs to go out.

She can't leave her grandmother home alone.

I see. That's too bad.

So it'll just be the two of us.

Okay.

Well, good night.

Good night.

You're here.

Welcome home.

You're early tonight.

Are we eating out?

Sorry.

I just got a phone call.

My daughter's got the mumps.

I've got to go.

I see. Yes, you'd better.

I'll make it up to you.

Bye.

Beaten by the mumps, huh?

Delivery!

Okay.

Okay.

Here you go.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Mom? I just got your package, thanks.

Are you eating right?

I'm eating right.

I haven't seen you in ages.

That's because I've been really busy at work.

Work, work... that's all you talk about. Are you saving up?

A little.

How much is "a little"?

You're over thirty. Tell me you have at least two million yen put aside.

Yeah... something like that.

I can manage my own finances.

I'm hanging up, okay? Good night.

Call me.

She finally stopped asking about boyfriends, and now it's money.

I suppose they'd shut up if I got married.

For now, umm... check your appearance before entering the hall, please.

Stand here, Chiba.

Okay.

Go from the top to the bottom.

First, the hair. It must be neat at all times.

Next, your smile.

Smile.

Check to make sure that your collar and cuffs are clean.

Customers notice things like that.

Thank you.

Let's see. What else?

For now...

umm... try to brush your teeth during your breaks.

-Okay. -Okay.

Good service comes down to your beautiful, fresh smiles...

for now.

I wonder if Manager Nakata is seeing anyone.

That's all from my side today...

for now.

Let's make it a great day.

Thank you.

Mr. Nakata, can I have a moment of your time?

Yes.

"For now"

Hello.

How's the clogged drain?

I called a plumber.

It's alright.

Good.

Open-faced sandwich.

Okay.

You always carry that notebook around?

I jot down recipe ideas in it. But it's badly oil-stained.

Leek scones.

You made that suggestion once.

Yes, I did. I'm surprised you remember.

That was a bit of a stretch.

No, it was creative.

Zucotto.

Here.

Okay.

And that time you added freeze-dried tofu to our lunch menu?

It was a nice touch.

Thank you.

Miss Morimoto, you'd make a good homemaker.

You always choose healthy ingredients.

Take these please.

What are you talking about?

We're discussing the menu.

I'll leave you to your work.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

Do you think Manager Nakata has a girlfriend?

No idea.

Could it be that the two of you are dating?

Don't be silly.

Don't play dumb.

What's going on?

Miss Morimoto and the manager were looking cozy together.

Ah. Chika, I didn't think he was your type.

What makes you think that? I think he's a good catch.

He's much older than you.

All the better.

Really?

I'll go take the orders.

-Okay. -Okay.

Help.

What's wrong?

We have an angry customer.

He wants to speak to someone in charge.

Could you handle it, Miss Morimoto?

I'm the type who just angers people more.

Sorry.

What type is that?

Miss Morimoto, what do we do?

Which customer?

At table three.

Miss Okamura, the document is ready for your perusal.

The staple goes here, not here.

I'm so sorry.

Okay.

Shinoda.

Yes?

Have you confirmed yesterday's delivery?

Call them after your meeting.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

Okamura.

We've got a complaint.

From our harebrained senior manager.

Help me out, will you?

What, again?

Please. Having a female around puts him in a better mood.

Get a girl who isn't so busy.

I can't bring any of the young ones.

All right.

You know that.

Let's go.

We're deeply sorry, sir.

You didn't need to come all the way here for that.

Some folks just like to make mountains out of molehills.

You mean you, right?

We apologize and we will willingly bear any penalties incurred.

Yes.

Now comes the "I hate to do this to you."

I hate to do this to you, but would you?

It would mean a lot.

And then we bow.

Thank you.

Please, sit.

Our sincerest apologies again.

Might as well do some stretching.

Not at all.

I'm glad you are so understanding.

You look as beautiful as ever, Miss Okamura.

Thank you.

How old are you now?

Thirty-four.

I see. I was already married at that age.

My parents wouldn't stop nagging until I did.

Yes, in our days, you got married at twenty and were looking after your folks by the time you hit thirty.

That's just how it was.

"This level of insult doesn't get to me at all."

This is what I'm thinking when it occurs to me that...

it does get to me.

We're selling these next.

Take a look.

Amazing!

Million-dollar family condominiums. Go take a look.

What? It's way out of my league.

That's okay.

Just have a look. I'll set it up for you.

Miss Okamura, it's not too late to find your Prince Charming, right?

That's right.

That's what I keep telling her.

I wish these guys would go to hell.

I guess that's pretty harsh.

Okamura, are you going back to the office?

I need to prepare for a presentation.

I've got to see someone. Write the letter of apology for me, okay?

Or at least just disappear.

Miss Morimoto!

Miss Morimoto, wait a second.

Miss Morimoto.

Early shift?

Yes. Mr. Nakata?

Umm... I'm on my way to work too... stop following me!

No, I can't do a handspring.

You're very popular.

I was just having a smoke.

Dont open my bag...!

Is she your girlfriend?

Quiet... for now.

All right, all right.

This old man's got work to do.

So umm... we'll play again next time, I promise.

Okay?

Mommies...!

Bye bye. See you!

I'm bushed. Man, those kids are energetic.

-Could you? -Sure.

Sorry for the commotion.

It's okay.

You refer to yourself as an "old man"?

I'm almost at that age.

I mean, to those kids, there's no question I am.

For now.

What is it?

Nothing.

To the station?

Yes, the station.

"For now."

Well, umm... me too.

Mr. Nakata, umm... you've got something on you.

Here.

I see you've picked up my pet phrase.

Oh, you noticed?

Well, yes.

Sorry for the impersonation.

No, it's alright.

I don't know why but it just comes out.

Lack of self-confidence, maybe?

I wouldn't worry about it.

It's part of your character, I'd say.

Really?

Well, that's a relief.

I ordered delivery food today.

Soba and oyako-don.

Oyako-don's your favorite. Right, Grandma?

I would have loved to be at the pot stew party.

Hello? Food delivery!

Coming.

Hello.

How much is it?

1,756 yen.

Okay.

Yoshida?

From the handball team. Hayashi Sawako.

What a blast from the past.

Is this your part-time job?

Hardly. I'll be taking over my father's eatery.

I'm a trainee now... at my age.

Let's see, that's soba and oyako-don.

This is our new menu.

Please order from us again.

It looks mouth-watering.

Lemons?

The taste goes surprisingly well.

Really?

Shall we dig in?

All right, cheers.

Cheers.

I'm tucking in.

I'm tucking in.

This is good!

Delicious.

You are such a good cook.

I wish Sawako could be here.

Oh, yeah. Want some salad?

Delicious.

Hey, any progress with that guy at work?

Actually, yes.

He said I'd make a good homemaker.

And we took a walk, just the two of us.

Is that all?

Boy, are you losing the feel for romance.

You think so?

Of course.

Because you've been single for five years.

Be a little more aggressive.

I don't think Mr. Nakata would take very well to that.

Let your base instincts take over.

That could be very dangerous.

Careful. Where's the tissue?

Behind you.

Sorry.

Thanks.

What a big watch.

Sue.

I've been thinking lately.

Maybe being understanding all the time just doesn't work.

Isn't this watch an hour slow?

I did that.

What's with a guy who frets about time, then forgets his watch?

I'm one to talk, though. Trying to buy an extra hour with him on the sly.

In that case, why don't we make it three hours slow?

Sue.

I wonder if this is really waterproof.

Stewed vegetables.

Mai?

Sake will go well with the stewed vegetables.

Have some.

Hey, want to hit the public bath later?

Sometimes a good soak in a huge bath is just the thing we need.

Let's eat.

Yeah.

Mai.

Thanks.

"Give yourself a good stretch. Treat yourself to a bath and take a deep breath."

Welcome.

Can you hold the fort for a while?

Sure.

Miss Morimoto, may I speak with you?

I'm sorry.

Is something wrong?

Well, it's still a long ways off but...

I'm getting married.

Really? Congratulations!

I'm going to have to quit work.

You can't continue working?

I'd like to, but he wants me at home.

In this day and age?

Truth is... I'm marrying Manager Nakata.

Gosh, I had no idea. Well, that's great.

Thanks.

Since you and I are full-time employees here...

I wanted you to be the first to know.

I'm honored.

Umm... there's a call from a supplier.

I'll be there.

Don't say anything to anyone yet.

Wait till you get home to feel depressed.

-Your break's over. -Okay.

I'm going for my break now.

Miss Morimoto. Could you draw five cards?

I'll tell your fortune for today.

Here.

Wait, please.

Miss Morimoto?

Oh my.

Okamura.

Having a little trouble with your skin lately?

I'll try to be careful.

Good.

Miss Okamura. The nerve of him saying something like that.

But one's age really does show up in the skin.

I hate to think how I'll be when I hit thirty.

It worries me already.

Oh no, I didn't mean anything by that.

Besides, everybody's different, right?

But we settled on this date a month ago.

The wife's parents blew into town.

They want to take the kids to the zoo.

I can't just lie to family, right?

You might lie for me once in a while.

What's all this suddenly?

We're okay as we are, aren't we?

I understand.

Thank goodness. Don't scare me like that.

Me being honest scares you then?

Hey.

Just... kidding.

"Just... kidding." But I wasn't kidding at all.

Using boiled meat rather than fried will please our calorie-conscious customers.

I see. Good point.

So she's your type, huh?

And the sauce?

Green sauce.

Taking cost performance into consideration, it's our only choice.

That's true.

For now.

Did you know she pretends to be helpful...

but casually foists work on others?

We have feedback that this dish lacks color, right?

Produce is expensive, so I thought we'd just go with a cherry tomato.

I see. Good point.

It'll do for now.

"For now." I bet that's how you kiss.

Adding a bowl of soup to the lunch will give it more volume.

Soup.

The soup is seventy kilocalories.

How many calories?

You sure move fast for someone who acts so unassuming.

Seventy kilocalories.

Seems like quite a gathering in there.

My big brother's here with his family.

He doesn't live here?

No, he moved to be closer to his wife's folks.

How far?

About forty minutes by car.

It's nice to have family close by.

My brother got transferred to Fukuoka.

We only see him on New Year's.

That's too bad.

Thanks for the food.

About next week's driving date.

You've already given me a menu before.

This is the travel menu.

Pick your spot.

My neck's itchy.

Don't break it.

What's this?

We should get going.

Okay, Hayato.

-I'll do that. -Let Mother do it.

Sachiko, leave it all to me.

Leaving already?

Yeah. I have work tomorrow.

Hayato, shall we go say hello to your great grandmother?

Never mind. She won't recognize him anyway.

Why wake her up just for that, right?

Thank you for everything.

Not at all.

Bye, Aunt Sawako.

Bye.

Hayato, say goodbye.

See you.

See you.

Bye.

Good night and thank you.

You don't have to see us out, Mom.

All right.

Okay, see you soon. Hayato, see you soon!

See you.

They've gone.

What a jerk.

"Why wake her up just for that?"

He just can't be bothered.

I wonder.

Grandma's right next door.

At least say hello!

Your brother doesn't live with us anymore.

Grandma not recognizing anyone is no excuse.

"Wakui Dermatology Clinic"

How about makeup? Do you put on much makeup?

I have sensitive skin so I don't wear much makeup.

Being in sales, I probably should.

No need. You're beautiful.

Your skin problem is probably caused by hormonal imbalance.

It is usually set off by poor diet, lack of sleep or stress.

Any of those ring a bell?

Yes.

All of them.

Maybe you're pushing yourself too hard.

How about easing up on one thing?

Which one?

That's for you to decide.

Mai, are you going home?

Want to go home together?

This looks delicious.

I splurged. It's 195 yen.

It's so beautiful.

Want a lift?

Really? Is that alright?

It's alright.

Okay.

Okay. Ready and...

Sue?

Hmm?

I've decided to quit one thing I was trying too hard at.

All right.

"Osugi Masato"

"Delete"

I quit!

What a load off.

I feel better already.

Really?

Mai, I can't breathe.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

My romance is over before it even started.

Maybe I'll cry too.

Sue?

It's all right to just let loose once in a while, right?

"Loneliness is something you need to overcome on your own"

Three zucotto ready.

Okay.

May I ask something?

What?

How much salary do the two of you get?

You're full-time employees, so 300 thousand yen a month?

No way. A little over 200 thousand.

Just that? That's hard to live on.

It's certainly not forever.

I guess the sooner I get married, the better.

You're cute so you shouldn't have any problem finding someone.

Of course.

Well, there is this guy. He's studying to be a lawyer.

His bar exam is coming up next month, so I haven't seen much of him.

But if he passes, I win big!

I see.

For now, you'd better turn up the heat and steer him towards the idea of marriage.

Miss Iwai, sounds like you're speaking from experience.

Well, Miss Iwai?

Keep your hands moving.

Miss Morimoto, will you have lunch with me?

You're off in the afternoon, right?

Yes.

Thanks for coming along with me.

My pleasure. It's a refreshing change of pace.

Yoko!

That's my daughter.

But she called you "Yoko".

It's my name.

I guess we're more like sisters.

Is she your only child?

Yes. I got pregnant with her at thirty-nine.

I kept the child, since it was probably my last chance to have one.

I chose not to get married, so I was and remain a single mother.

I had no idea.

Well, I usually only talk about work.

I'm a cold and distant boss, right?

No.

As the boss, you have to keep an appropriate distance between you and your employees.

It's okay. Just watch and see.

Is it really okay?

It's okay.

Hey. I bet Yoko is so strict that everyone hates her.

Well, she's strict but we all respect her as the boss.

Well, she pretty much fails the test as a mother.

But as a woman, I think you could call her a success.

Second half! Get ready!

All right.

Good luck.

I'll score again in this half.

Wish me luck!

Go for it.

Miss Morimoto, want to try managing the cafe?

Managing?

You're suited for it.

You enjoy your job, don't you?

Yes. But I'm not sure I have what it takes to be a manager.

It usually takes the people around you...

to make you realize what you're good at.

I was the same.

Think about it.

"Matchmaking service"

"What makes you happy?"

It's all right to leave some of the questions blank.

Okay.

Coming.

Here.

You left it at the restaurant. I figured you'd need it.

I can be so absentminded sometimes. I'm sorry to put you out like this.

Not at all. I heard you live just a station away.

So I figured I'd take a detour... for now.

Thank you.

Cucumber?

Just a habit of mine... when I cook.

Are you working on a new menu item?

What a full kitchen.

It's like a hobby.

Well, I think that's very important.

And very much like you.

Are you making a quiche?

Yes. I'm trying out Chinese-style quiche.

I'm using spring roll skins instead of pie dough.

I heard the news from Boss.

Congratulations.

Yes.

But I'm not sure if I should take up the job.

But you'll make a great cafe manager.

Mr. Nakata, I'm happy for you too.

Pardon?

Congratulations on your wedding.

Please have some tea.

Actually, I'm a little unsure.

That won't do. You've got to be confident...

for now.

To be honest, I didn't expect things to progress so quickly.

Blood! Mr. Nakata, chin up! Your nose is bleeding!

Nosebleed...

What should I do...?

Sit down.

Are you all right?

I haven't been sleeping well. It must be exhaustion setting in.

Have you eaten?

Not yet today.

Well, you need to eat.

Thank you. Sorry for getting blood all over your towel.

It's okay.

First kiss in five years.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Sorry for the intrusion.

Are you having second thoughts about getting married?

I think Miss Iwai would make a good wife.

She's cute, even if she's a bit self-centered at times.

But she's basically a good person.

Sue.

You went shopping?

I bought new clothes.

What's the occasion?

Actually, I registered with a matchmaking agency.

Really?

I'm trying to right my ship.

I see.

A store like this has many temptations.

But it's easy to end up buying things you'll never use.

That's why I have a hard time deciding what to buy.

Sue?

My head's kind of swimming right now.

I think I'll wander around for a bit.

You okay being alone?

I'll be fine.

I want to change.

Do I want to become a different person?

To become this person. Or that.

Everybody aspires to be someone else.

Just not someone like me.

Better go home.

Good morning.

Morning.

Umm... I...

I want to give being manager a shot.

I'd like you to meet my folks.

I know it's a bit too soon...

but neither of us are getting any younger.

I want to do things right.

I got it.

One more thing, my folks are real desperate to have a grandchild.

Do you think you could get a doctor's note saying you can bear children?

Well...

I've never heard of anything like that.

I guess I could try asking at the clinic.

Thanks.

And you?

Do I have to get one too?

It's only fair, isn't it?

Well...

What if the doctor says I can't have kids?

Or what if you're the one who can't?

Sawa, keep your voice down.

Sawa...

I just couldn't forgive him, you know?

I wonder if I made the wrong decision.

No, I think you did the right thing.

I really liked him.

Don't worry. I'm over it.

Any good news with you?

No.

Well, I'm being promoted to cafe manager.

That's fantastic!

She's here.

Mai.

Sorry, I'm late.

Sue has been made the manager.

Really? That's awesome! Congratulations!

Thanks.

Madame Manager and company, if you would follow me.

-Where to? -Where to?

Come on in.

Oh my!

What a view!

It's so beautiful.

It's a dishwasher!

Over here! Over here! Hurry! Hurry!

Get a load of this.

It lights up at night, too.

Income disparity.

Income disparity.

This is like a totally different world.

Doing this...

clears the cobwebs from your mind.

How about this?

The pyramid pose.

Isn't there something like this too?

What the heck is that?

Tokyo Tower looks like it's standing on tiptoes.

Hey, yeah.

A helicopter! It's flying near my butt.

Hey, you guys want to take a helicopter cruise? Fifteen minutes for ten thousand yen.

Sounds fun! I'm in.

All the blood has rushed to my head. I feel dizzy.

Time is about up.

I'm sorry. I'd hoped to start preparing a little earlier.

Were you out?

I was out looking for Mee.

Mee hasn't come home yet?

Mee's our cat.

It's so nice you came.

Sawako, I'll do that.

Here.

Looks delicious.

How is the Le Creuset cookware?

It's wonderful for stewing vegetables.

How nice.

Sawako, the chopsticks.

Let me help with that.

It's okay. It's okay.

Here.

Here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sawako, is your grandmother out?

Grandma's bedridden. She doesn't respond to a thing.

Is that true?

It's true. Eat while it's hot.

Here, Mai.

Sawako. Would it be okay if I say hello to her, anyway?

Grandma, we're coming in.

Grandma, I'd like you to meet my friends.

Morimoto Yoshiko and Okamura Maiko

How do you do? I'm Morimoto Yoshiko.

I'm Okamura Maiko.

Sue and Mai.

Your family is treating us to dinner.

Make yourselves at home.

Grandma, manners.

Mee!

There you are!

It's nice and warm in here, I guess.

This is from all of us.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Thanks for coming by.

We were just on our way to see the wedding planner.

I see. Well, let's get ready to open shop.

Miss Iwai, shall we confirm your severance pay now?

I'll get the documents.

Miss Morimoto.

Have you found a replacement for Miss Iwai?

I'm holding interviews today. For now...

I'll go with part-timers.

Miss Morimoto.

Umm... about the other day...

Don't worry about it.

I didn't take it to heart.

I don't know what to say.

Except thank you for having such strength of character.

I'm so glad that it happened with you.

I promise never to cheat on my wife.

I'm not the one you should be saying that to.

I see. That's right.

You know, I kind of liked that about you.

I'll take the little incident the other day to my grave.

Here you are.

Miss Morimoto, I'll see you at the wedding?

I look forward to it.

We'd better hurry.

Miss Morimoto.

What is it?

Actually, I kind of sensed it.

For a while there, I could tell that Nakata had a thing for you.

Is that true? I didn't realize that at all.

He chose me so it's irrelevant now, but...

don't force yourself to come to the wedding.

Well, I'm off.

Thank you for waiting.

I'm Kakizaki Shinichi. It's a pleasure to meet you.

I'm Okamura Maiko. Nice to meet you.

Please have a seat.

I'm glad you brought me here.

Thanks.

That's what you say, but I can see you're worried.

Grandma hates it when we hire a caretaker for the day.

We'll hear it when we get home.

Your grandmother may not have much going for her now.

But I would still like to see her live as long as possible.

Even though she's even forgotten her own daughter...

I'm okay with that.

Strange, isn't it?

No, it isn't.

We'll contact you on Monday.

Thank you.

Here.

Thanks.

Next, please. Thank you for waiting.

Okay.

I'm Kosaka Hitoshi.

I'm Morimoto, the manager. Have a seat.

Thank you.

You realize we're hiring only part-time for now.

I'll be turning thirty-six next month...

I hope that's all right.

Your age is fine. I've read your resume.

Is there a chance of working up to full-time status here?

Say, based on performance?

As I said, we're just offering a part-time position for now.

I can't make any promises about a full-time position.

Things have been tough in this recession.

With a family to support, I admit I need a full-time position.

You started out part-time too, didn't you?

I made no such promise to the other candidates. So I'm afraid I can't promise you anything either.

Other than serving the customers, this job would require you to help with the food preparation. Will you be okay with that?

I think it's clear from my resume...

I'm not suited to this line of work.

I guess a woman can't truly understand a man's desperation.

What do you mean?

Forget it. Give my resume back.

But we're in the middle of the interview.

It's a waste of time.

I don't think so.

Don't talk like you know everything. Stop wasting my time.

You're wrong.

You came for this interview in a suit.

I thought you might be a more serious worker than the younger applicants.

But I don't want someone who doesn't take the job seriously.

I wasted my time holding out expectations.

Your time? That's none of my business.

I'm sure you're single and have all the time to waste.

Am I right?

You're wrong about that too!

A manager must always remain calm when customers are present.

I'll be careful.

I chose you because of who you are.

Do your very best.

I will.

Good night.

Good work today.

Manager, let's call it a night.

I'm turning the lights off.

"One year later"

Welcome.

Kumi, seat them.

Okay.

"Blessed be the laborer"

-Good work today. -Good work.

It's very stirring... today's words.

Umm... the sign out front.

Thanks.

Umm... want to check out the new galette shop near the station sometime?

Great idea. Ask everyone when they are free.

A staff outing sounds good.

Umm... I don't mean that...

What?

I'm off.

Good work today. See you tomorrow.

Mai, how have you been?

Okay. One more picture.

Look over here.

Now a full-length shot.

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

Hey, you settle on a name yet?

Not yet.

The two of us are poring over baby-naming books.

There's no end to it, what with choosing the sound and characters.

Sounds hard.

You'd be surprised.

His parents need to be consulted too.

I can't decide a thing for myself.

Mrs. Kakizaki, I'm sorry, I'll be with you soon.

Okay.

Try not to blink.

Look into the lens, please.

Ready?

Let's try some with you seated.

Wait here, please.

Want to sit with me?

Thanks.

Want to touch it?

It's a bit strange.

I'm so used to seeing you in suits.

I'll need to go on a diet after this.

All right, please go ahead.

Okay.

Sue.

You can continue chatting.

I wish Sawako were here.

Work keeps her really busy.

How about you, Sue?

I scrambled around for quite a bit at first. But it's rewarding work, I think.

Okay, here we go.

My business card case, and train pass case have become nothing more than mementos.

I'm no longer Okamura Maiko from the sales division.

There are no subordinates to order around.

Or bosses making demands.

I'm an unemployed, pregnant wife.

Mai, is something wrong?

Sometimes I can't help but wonder...

what it would have been like to have continued the life I left.

How about some shots of you with your friend?

Go ahead.

I'm hopeless, huh? I'm the one who made the decision to quit work, get married and have a child.

I shouldn't be having second thoughts.

Ready?

I kind of understand how you feel.

Sue?

But you know something? You look so happy and radiant now.

This is the last shot. Your best smiles, please.

Here we go.

Sue.

I want you to have this.

I think you'll like it.

I will. Thank you.

Give it a listen when you're free.

Well, see you.

Take care going home.

You, too.

This feeling.

This hollowness in me.

I've felt it many times.

What is it that's making me feel this way?

What if I become an old lady, frail and bedridden with no work and little money?

Without anyone to rely on, what will become of me?

Will I die lonely and alone?

Have the choices I made all been wrong?

When I think about it, it makes me shudder.

The birth of my child next month should bring peaceful, happier days.

This is right. This is good.

And yet...

a part of me thinks, "So this is how it turns out after all."

Goodbye... me.

Soon to be replaced by a new me.

Grandma.

She hasn't changed and never will.

No matter how much she may forget, her warmth remains.

Hello, Mai?

Sorry about today.

For making you worry about me.

I just feel that once I become a mom...

the person I've been till now will disappear.

That's why I wanted us to meet.

I wanted to see you while I'm still my old self.

I won't forget.

The Mai I've known till now.

And all those times you felt lost.

I won't forget.

Thank you. See you.

See you.

"Before the rays of the setting sun dissolve in the sky..."

"I will call your name."

"When I find myself standing alone amid the busy streets..."

"I will think of you."

"Beyond all time, beyond the sky I will reach you."

"Don't let the wash of sadness overwhelm you."

"Even if the time comes to close my eyes forever."

"May your voice, your fingertips and your heart..."

"be enfolded in a gentle blanket of love."

"Beyond all time, beyond the sky I will reach you."

"Don't let the wash of sadness overwhelm you."

"I will pray for you. It's all that I can do."

"May today, tomorrow and forever..."

"enfold you in a gentle blanket of love."

Mai.

Thank you.

Here.

Hey, you.

Sawako, take a look at the letter in my bag. It's addressed to us.

Read it. The postscript is classic Sue.

I probably can't make it to the outing...

because it clashes with my training course.

But I look forward to our next get-together.

P.S.

I've been having some new thoughts lately.

Take for example, the texts I get from my mother.

"Happy birthday. Why not reward yourself with a day off?"

I feel the warmth of her concern in her trivial ramblings.

Thanks to your thoughtful gift, I'm more into cooking than before.

"Happy birthday, Sue. When's our next pot stew party?"

It's the little things like these that add up to put me at ease.

Back to work.

Is this your manager?

Thanks for looking after my little brother.

Little brother?

Yes, but thank goodness we don't resemble each other.

Don't be rude.

Just a fact.

The food is delicious. I will come again.

Thank you.

Go back and sit down.

Please take your time.

Why didn't you say she's family? I thought you were flirting on the job.

Why? Would that make you jealous?

Welcome.

Welcome.

Well, are you jealous? Hey, Miss Morimoto Yoshiko?

You should be calling me "Manager".

Managing a cafe can be tough.

I often get confused, or angry at people.

But life lets you gradually discover what is truly important.

You can never be certain of what life holds for you...

but there's no need to fret or plan too much for the far-off future.

This is what I have come to realize.

I hope you get nice weather for your picnic in the woods.

We sure did.

It's just like Sue to write such a letter.

I agree.

Too bad she couldn't be here today.

Well Keita, shall we go?

You look happy. Ah, what's wrong?

Mai! Sawako!

-Sue! -Sue!

Look, it's Sue!

Sue's here!

It's Sue.