I spent all that money, thinking she’d live another ten years,’ said Mitsuki.
-- Mitsuki (chapter 1)

Importance: In the opening pages of this novel, Mitsuki criticizes herself for buying luxury items for her mother’s room in the nursing home. Although she wanted her mother to be comfortable, Mitsuki had in mind that her mother would live longer.

Natsuki’s relationship with their mother had been strained. At one point their mother had washed her hands of her elder daughter and ingratiated herself instead with Mitsuki, the previously neglected younger daughter, entrusting her with everything, including her finances.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Even though Mitsuki is Noriko’s younger daughter, it is explained that she is taking the bulk of the responsibility for her mother’s care because Noriko and her older daughter had an argument that damaged their relationship. It is also indicated that Mitsuki has a right to resent this responsibility because she was neglected...