I’m Tomohiko, a 42-year-old office worker. I live with my wife, Hozumi, and our two kids—a daughter in 9th grade and a son in 7th. We’re your typical, happy family. But there’s one major issue: my mother and Hozumi do not get along. We had a huge blow-up over the family grave visit—specifically, whether my mom should drive herself or if Hozumi should take her. I ended up suggesting Hozumi just go on her own, but that backfired. Hozumi got furious, feeling like I always put my mother’s feelings before hers. And then, it finally happened…
Fed up with me always siding with my mother, Hozumi said she’s moving back to her parents’ place. Isn’t that a bit of an overreaction? But she wouldn’t listen to a word I said and just walked out. As I sit here in despair, I can’t help but think back to life with my mom and brother after my father passed away. My brother and I eventually grew up, got jobs, and started our own lives. Since my brother’s job requires him to move a lot, I felt it was my responsibility to look after Mom. That’s why we started living together in the first place, but it turns out Mom and Hozumi just weren’t compatible. That tension still haunts us today… and I have no idea what to do.