I’m Emi Maruyama, 31, a mom raising my first-grade son.
This happened a little while ago. At my part-time job, I became close with Yukako Hotta, a single mother. But the closeness became overwhelming, and even my sister warned me, “She’s completely dependent on you.” I decided to put some distance between us.
Right after that, an anonymous report accused me of “stealing supplies” at work. Someone had framed me, and unable to endure the hostile atmosphere, I ended up quitting my job…
I did everything I could to help Yukako, even neglecting things at home, because I wanted to support her as she struggled through life. But then Mr. Tajima told me something shocking.
I didn’t want to believe it, yet if Yukako was the culprit, it all made sense. What’s more, I was stunned to learn that others had also reported the same kind of harm.
And then came the words that truly shook me: “I don’t think Yukako is actually struggling with money, and her child doesn’t even live with her.”
The woman I thought was my friend… the one I felt I “had to save”… it was all a lie.