I’m Ayumi. I live with my husband, Kazuma, and our three kids. Kazuma is the middle of three siblings — his older brother Kosuke and his younger sister Sanae. And me? I cannot stand Kosuke and his wife. They’re pushy, controlling, and exhausting. Years ago I decided I would never get involved with them again… and I’ve stuck to that.
One day, we invited Kazuma’s parents on a trip to stay at a nice ryokan. Everything was set… until my father-in-law suddenly announced he had already invited the other siblings too. We tried calling to ask them to sit this one out, but Kosuke basically threatened us over the phone — he wouldn’t even listen. So my husband called his mom instead.
My husband begged me — really begged — and for a moment, my heart wavered. It’s true: I don’t like Kosuke. And I’m not a fan of his wife, Rie, either. But that’s not my father-in-law’s fault. It’s not my mother-in-law’s fault. And it’s not my husband’s fault. It’s just… me and that couple do not mix. That’s all.
My mother-in-law is thinking about my father-in-law, who went through a serious illness. And my husband can’t ignore her feelings either. I could feel how much both of them were trying. So… what if I just endured it? If all of this could be fixed — if everyone could be happy — just by me putting up with them for a little while… Should I shift gears, swallow my discomfort, and try to enjoy the trip anyway?