Summary

Keiko visits her friend Miho on her day off. Miho is hosting a party and Keiko attends because she sees it as the only connection she has to the outside world and an opportunity to mingle with “normal” women her age, such as their mutual friends Yukari and Satsuki (31). The women eat cake and drink tea, updating each other on their life. They are all astounded that Keiko still works at the convenience store. Keiko automatically responds that it is because she is not very strong, which is why casual work suits her. This is a response that her sister thought up for her so that she would have a response at hand for whenever she was asked this question. They are also shocked when Keiko responds honestly to their inquiry on her love life, saying that she has never had a boyfriend...