Koharu tries to apply for public assistance after her husband's death but gets refused. She discovers that her mother, who has broken off relations with Koharu, has expressed a desire to support her, and she decides to reunite with her mother for the first time in 20 years.
Koharu's neighbor calls the child guidance center after noticing that Koharu's kids spend time alone every night. Koharu decides to leave her kids with Yuki, who lives in the countryside, for a while.
Accepting the offer from Koharu's stepfather, Koharu leaves her kids at her mother's house when she needs help. Soon after, however, Koharu clashes with her displeased mother over a conversation about the past.
Koharu is touched by Riku's sensitive nature and behavior although he is a boy of few words. Meanwhile, Shiori reveals a very important secret relating to Shin's death.
