I’m Nanami. I live with my husband, Tatsuya, and our third-grade son, Riku. My son is a treasure beyond compare. I have to raise him right and help him grow into a good adult. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’ve devoted everything to Riku. I believed that was what being a parent meant, and I accepted that life without question.
But lately, Riku hasn’t wanted to go to school… He says it’s because he doesn’t feel well, but deep down, I know it’s probably emotional. At first, I did everything I could to get him back to school. Now, I’ve shifted my focus—making sure his studies are fully supported so he can return anytime he’s ready.
I wanted Riku to go to school… I always did. I couldn’t help wondering—what will happen to him if this keeps up? What if he can’t fit into society? Will he be able to have a happy future? Those worries never really left me.
But if I looked anxious, I knew Riku would feel anxious too. So I tried to act as normal as possible. He won’t tell me why he doesn’t want to go to school, but if we keep doing schoolwork at home, then when he finally feels ready, things should go smoothly. Taking him to my in-laws’ house was for the same reason—I just hoped it might help his mental state, even a little.