Chapter 16 Chapter Fourteen: The Living and the Dead

The media turmoil that Takahiro Koito mentioned started on June 8th, three days after President Hayakawa was interrogated by the police and revealed the identities of Sunagawa's family members on 2025, which were reported in detail by the media. Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, a small city about 80 kilometers away from the center of Greater Tokyo, along the Takasaki Line.The style and features of the ancient town still remain in the area around the few remains of the city wall in the deep valley.This was originally a station of the Joetsu Shinkansen, but after this position was replaced by the neighboring Kumagai City, the lost urban mood floated around the city.Fortunately, there are residents in the capital who are not afraid of long-distance commuting. Fukaya City is still a suburban residential area in Tokyo, so the small restaurants and bakeries lined up at the entrance of Fukaya Station open early.

Sandwich shop Ashibe is also one of them.It is located 30 meters north of the bus stop at the Fukaya station entrance.When it opened ten years ago, it almost went bankrupt within half a year.After all, the location is not good, commuters who catch the first tram get off the bus, and don't want to spend a few more minutes to go back and forth on the 30-meter trip. At the beginning, the operation of Ashian was not on track.However, the sandwiches, onigiri, and beancurd sushi here are delicious, and the price is 30 to 100 yen cheaper than other stores. The paper cup coffee is a real drip coffee. If you request it in advance, you can also help guests put it into a thermos cup Or in a thermos, also accept custom-made lunch boxes.There are so many good selling points, before the word of mouth spreads among customers, there are really few people who care about it.

Lubian's boss, Yi Ze, Xuan and his wife's son, are both from Fukaya City, and they are childhood sweethearts.Both families run the catering industry. After graduating from high school, they each helped out in the family business. After getting married at the age of 20, they started their own businesses.They first opened an assorted barbecue restaurant, then opened a coffee shop, and then switched to a skewer restaurant, always opening and closing, closing and opening again, a series of entrepreneurial history. Yi Zehe Xuan said that maybe he has business talents, or maybe he is quite lucky. Although he often changes jobs, he has never lost money.The same goes for Ashes.Lubian is the seventh store opened by their husband and wife, and the storefront is also the simplest, with old stalls.Because of the bad location, the nearby stores said sarcastically that Ize is going to fail this time!After half a year of hard work and business in Ashibe began to flourish, they believed in Ize's undefeated myth with half-shock.

The secret to the success of the Iza couple who opened the store purely for their own interests is that they do not pay attention to the decoration of the store, and second, they do not save on personnel costs, and at the same time carefully train their employees.When they opened a store in the past, even if it was a small western food restaurant with only four or five pings, they must hire additional staff.Ize believes that if only a husband and wife do it, they will be too busy sooner or later, and their business will be hindered. Therefore, in the past ten years, the Izawa couple have relied on Riko Sunagawa as their most important store assistant, and this store in Ashbee is no exception.

Riko Sunagawa was born in 1948 and is 48 years old this year. She is from Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture.Both parents died, and her sister, who is two years younger than her, still lives there with a family of three.Riko went to Tokyo after graduating from high school and worked in a department store in Shinjuku.At the age of twenty-five, she was introduced by her boss and got married on a blind date. Two years later, she gave birth to her son Yi.Yi is now twenty-one years old.Perhaps it is the relationship of sharing weal and woe, and the relationship between mother and child is very close.

The news of the homicide at No. 2025, West Building, New Town, Senju North America was interesting to Riko Sunagawa at first.Just like people not directly related to the murder case, Lizi also collected information from TV and newspapers, and based on the facts of these fragments, he pieced together and speculated the truth. Satoko's job in Ashibe is to purchase ingredients, cook, and sell with Mr. Izawa.She has to go to work at three o'clock in the morning, and she always gets up half an hour earlier.Ashian opened the store at four o'clock in the morning, and the previous hour was so busy that he didn't have time to watch TV and newspapers.In fact, there was no news on TV at three o'clock in the morning, and even the newspaper hadn't arrived.Riko Sunagawa wakes up silently every day and goes to work silently.The same goes for Izzy and his wife.

Lubian opened a shop to start a business, and after customers came to the door one after another, the daily life conversation began.Most of the customers are commuters going to the center of Greater Tokyo. Most of them carry newspapers under their armpits, and some buy them at newsstands near the bus station.That morning, an office worker took the sandwich from Riko Sunagawa, paid for it, and while waiting for change, suddenly said to Riko: Sister, you were killed in Arakawa, did you know that? Sagawa Riko was taken aback for a moment.Because she had to deal with the next guest immediately, she didn't hear clearly what the man said just now.

ah!What? this!All above. The middle-aged man patted the newspaper under his arm. Aren't four people killed in the high-end apartment building in Arakawa Ward?The identity of the victim has been found out. Oh!Really? I have the same name and surname as you!I was taken aback, although it was a coincidence, but you will not feel better! Both Ize and his wife have a chef's license. Ten years ago, with their encouragement and funding, Lizi also went to take the license test shortly after going to work.Hence, their license is posted on the wall in Ashibian to let customers know that the food at this restaurant is made by licensed chefs.

Mr. Yi Ze said with a smile that there are other benefits to doing this kind of takeaway business.Although they are already Obasan, male customers of the same age call them sisters.The guests saw the license on the wall, knew their names, and heard them address each other, so they naturally knew who was Riko Sunagawa and who was Soko Izawa.But they are still used to calling them sister, and they are used to it. So at this time, Riko Sunagawa felt a little embarrassed that the guest could link her name with her name based on the content of the news report, so she smiled shyly and said yes!dismissed him.

But not long after, a young man who came to buy milk and sandwiches said the same thing. Auntie, your name is in the newspaper. This young man probably lives alone. He is one of the regular customers who come to make and buy breakfast every day, and often order lunch boxes.He has a slightly characteristic sunken chin and a pleasing smile, and both the boss and the lizi feel that he is like a son. Someone said it just now. Riko replied with a smile.The young man handed her the newspaper in his hand. It was the Japan Daily. look!It was a big murder case not long ago, remember?The murder of four members of the Arakawa family, the murdered family was named Sunagawa, and the hostess' name was Riko Sunagawa. Have you read it?

Ah, no, I'll buy it later. It doesn't matter, this is for you, I have already seen it, and you often count me cheap. As he spoke, the young man replaced the newspaper in his hand with a sandwich, and then said with a smile: Auntie, you must have heard many people say the same thing today.What a coincidence! In fact, a few regular customers later asked her, did you read the newspaper?Sister, report it!In the rush of the morning, everyone is busy, and there is no room for in-depth conversations, so I can only say that I hate it in a perfunctory manner!I know!just fine.The guest was not particularly cautious, but said half-kindly and half-jokingly that it was an unlucky coincidence. Riko Sunagawa didn't think too much about it when she was working hard, and she didn't even have time to glance at the newspaper that the young man gave her before the morning rush was over. What did you write? After finally being free, she muttered and opened the "Japan Daily". It was already after nine o'clock.At this time, Lubian will temporarily close the counter and rest for two hours.During this time, Riko Sunagawa and Izawa used to have a late breakfast in the van parked behind the narrow storefront and painted with large Ashibe characters on the body.Breakfast is always prepared by the boss.I ate onigiri with miso soup that day. Lizi drank the hot tea that the boss poured from the thermos into the mug, and flipped through the newspaper.The headline on the front page reads in the unique headline style of the evening newspaper: The identity of the family of the four murder victims of the Arakawa family has been identified.The content of the report is placed on the second page, but the length is not large.It's no wonder, it's not about catching the murderer, or finding the murderer and issuing a nationwide arrest warrant, it's just finding out the identity of the victim, which is usually not big news. Li Zi didn't wait to read the report carefully before he saw the word "Sugawara" and found his own name.The boss looked at the newspaper from behind Lizi and said, "Really, the surname is Sha Chuan." At that time, Lizi's mind just went blank, and he didn't respond to the boss's words.She sat still with the newspaper in her left hand, followed by a tilt of her right hand holding the mug, and hot tea spilled on her lap. Riko, what's the matter? The boss hurriedly supported Lizi's right hand to catch the mug that almost fell. It will burn you!What are you doing? As the boss said, the tea was still very hot, soaking through the blended trousers he was wearing, and a water stain in the shape of an uninhabited island in a picture book was printed on his knees.Lizi didn't realize that the mug was gone in her right hand, and she naturally grabbed the other side of the newspaper, as if the thin newspaper would slip away from her eyes if she didn't hold it tightly. Mrs. Sunagawa Yi Ze and his wife looked at each other. What happened? The boss lightly shook Lizi's shoulder.Riko shook his upper body as if he had no spine, then put down his hands as if remembering something, looked away from the newspaper, and looked at the boss beside him. The blood on Lizi's face was gone. It's my husband. she murmured.The boss didn't hear clearly, it felt like Lizi was clicking his tongue. ah?What? Yize and Xuan's ears are relatively sharp, and he who was sitting in front of the van turned around and asked Lizi: That's no coincidence, is it?Is it really your husband? Lizi spread out the newspaper on his lap again in a daze, and blinked blankly.The boss took the newspaper and quickly checked the page, so excited that he couldn't read the article. The four people killed are speculated to be Nobuo Sunagawa (46), his wife Riko (48), his son Takeshi (21), and Nobuo’s mother Dumei (86). The boss read this passage twice, and Lizi's name was written on it.When she saw the number (48), she instinctively thought about how old Lizi is now?Izawa took the Japan Daily from her hand. Is this your missing husband? Lizi pressed his cheeks with both hands, and nodded in a daze.She looked helpless like a girl, and the boss suddenly felt that she was so pitiful, so he leaned over and hugged her. Are you ok?Cheer up!Perhaps a mistake. Riko shook his head.I have no idea, she said quietly. what do you not know? But it is indeed my husband's name, and the same age. She continued to shake her head habitually. Moreover, my name was also listed, and even the names of Yi and mother-in-law were also listed. Eh?what happened? The boss put his mouth close to Lizi's ear, and said in a sharp voice: Both your husband's name and Lizi's name are listed together?However, not just Satoko you?Has Lian Yi also logged out? Yi Ze glared at the boss with a solemn face. I think you are the most confused, not sure what is what. I don't know! The boss snatched the newspaper back again, but before rereading the report, she had already sorted out in her mind what Lizi was talking about and what the report meant. It has been fifteen years since Sunagawa Riko's husband, Nobuo, abandoned his family and ran away from home.According to the current statement, it is a disappearance, but in the era of Izawa and Riko, they called this kind of action evaporation.For many years, Lizi raised his son alone. The Eze couple started hiring her ten years ago. At that time, she was much thinner than she is now. It was obvious that the economy was in trouble, and she exuded a tired and exhausted atmosphere.It was someone they both knew who asked them to hire a lady who had been abandoned by an irresponsible husband and was struggling. It's not a high-end job where they need to fill out resumes and interviews, so they asked her to meet for tea at a nearby coffee shop.Within an hour, they decided to hire her.They didn't give her the job because they sympathized with Lizi's misfortune. They were not so naive, but felt that they had a good impression and a sense of trust in her character. Li Zi did not speak badly of her husband who suddenly evaporated when she was telling her hardships.On this point, the acquaintance who introduced Lizi spoke very harshly. I guess he had a woman outside, so he disappeared suddenly and never came back.He even took away all of that month's salary, causing Lizi and their lives to fall into a difficult situation immediately.That kind of husband is simply scum! However, Riko didn't say that.She just narrated in a calm tone, she didn't think her husband had another woman, maybe he did, but she didn't think he would run away because of that woman.She said that the reason for her husband's evaporation may lie in Sunagawa's family relationship. He was dissatisfied with me, but he was not the kind of person who would open his mouth to pick and complain, so he had to leave home silently.Although my child and I are suffering, his life will not be easy. In her tone, the boss felt like a sister caring for his younger brother. Later, when he found out that Lizi was indeed older than the husband, he thought it was true. In short, the whereabouts of Riko's husband, Nobuo Sunagawa, is unknown. He has been missing to this day, and suddenly became a victim in a high-end apartment building in Arakawa District, Tokyo. Li Zi is not dead, Yi is also alive and kicking, this must be a mistake. Yi Ze ignored the boss who blamed the report blankly, and asked Li Zi: Is your mother-in-law's name Dumei? Lizi nodded, yes, Nobuo's mother is named Dumei. Doesn't it all fit together? But it's obviously wrong! If you still don't understand, just be quiet! After Yize said this to the boss, he frowned and asked Lizi again: How about it, Mrs. Sunagawa, don't you think it's time to make sure? Riko opened his eyes blankly, confirming what? See if this is true? Let's look at other newspapers!The boss quickly suggested that this newspaper often writes gossip, how about "Asahi" or "Yomiuri"? Yize also got excited, went to the newsstand to buy it, really wanted to know more details. That's right, that's right, and, Lizi, can you ask Yi?Call now. Yes, Izzy agrees, use this to fight! Ize took out the mobile phone from his waist and handed it to Lizi.Lizi took the phone, his hands trembling.Her fingertips tremblingly pressed the small button of the phone, but she couldn't press it well.The boss couldn't see it, and stretched out his hand. I'll call for you. Ah Yi is already at work, right? Takeshi Sunagawa works in a decoration company in Omiya City. Are you going to the construction site? The kid also has a cell phone. Lizi uttered the phone number dreamily, and the boss pressed the key and waited for the connection.At this time, I must be very patient. There is no other way, because I am calling someone at work. The bell rang ten times before Yi answered.The boss felt that his breathing almost stopped. After the boss reported his name, Yi's impatient tone immediately became flattering. Ah, Auntie, good morning. Shachuan Takeshi called the Ize couple uncle and aunt.Judging from that cheerful tone, he hasn't read the newspaper or the TV news yet, and his colleagues haven't told him that your name has been reported yet. After greeting, Yi's tone changed, what's wrong?What's the matter with my mother? No, your mother is right next to me. The boss hurriedly said, while squinting at Lizi's expression.She still sat there with her head down, her eyes following the report of the "Nippon Daily". The boss quickly narrated the matter, and Yi responded with a questioning voice from time to time, and he also felt that it was not a joke. While the boss was still talking to Yi, Ize came back with a stack of newspapers and several weekly magazines.The boss thought to himself, how can the magazines sold in the store now have news reports and analysis that were reported today?This man is really stupid. Ah Yi, no one in the company has told you anything, right? No.I went directly to the construction site today. He said he hadn't met any of his close colleagues in the company yet. Your mother was a little frightened, and her complexion was very bad. Yi's voice is full of worry, is it okay? We stay with her, no problem.Are you leaving get off work late today though?Can it be earlier? No, it's a bit difficult. Yi Ze leaned over with his little fat belly shaking, and took the phone from the boss. Yijun, it's me. Uncle, I'm sorry. Your mother is with us, so come over to our house tonight after you get off work.Whether this report is true or not is not confirmed.We'll check first, but let's talk about it anyway. Sha Chuanyi agreed, and said that he would read the newspaper immediately.Ize asked Lizi if he wanted to answer the phone with his eyes, and Lizi reached out and grabbed the phone with trembling hands. Hello, is that Yi? mom?Are you okay? scared me It's probably Dad, maybe it's true, but it's weird to include you, me, and grandma's name too?Maybe it was a big misunderstanding, maybe the police found Dad, so they came to a conclusion?How about this, you discuss it with your uncles and aunts first, and I will rush over when I have time. Lizi nodded frequently, and became even more dejected, with some tears in his eyes. It's such a hassle!But your father is dead, they will call to inform me, right?I have to go to identify the body, to confirm his face. Mom, don't think about it, maybe the newspaper made a mistake. After all, neither you nor I died. By the way, call grandma's hospital and ask.There are more people there, probably more noisy than ours, and the nurses will read newspapers. Lizi ended the call, and Ize sat back in the driver's seat. Yijun is right, but it is better to go and have a look on the phone.Is the hospital where your mother-in-law lives nearby? Miyako Sunakawa lives in a special nursing home for the elderly. It takes about 30 minutes to drive north of the city from the station where Ashibe is located.For Li Zi, who is used to seeing her mother-in-law every Sunday afternoon, this is a road she has taken.The road was empty and Izzy was driving fast. On the way he turned on the radio, just in time for the news.News reports said that the victims of the murder of four members of the Arakawa family had been identified, but they did not report their full names, only saying that the police believed that they were Nobuo Sunagawa, unemployed, 45 years old, and his family members. The three people in the car pricked up their ears until the news turned to the next news, Mr. Izawa sighed. I didn't say my identity clearly just now. The time for broadcasting news is short, so I omitted it. Riko Sunagawa thought about the newspapers that Izawa bought just now, and the writing styles were different.Some clearly wrote the names of a family of four, and some even wrote the names of four people, but they all added words that were presumed to be true.In some cases, only the full name of the head of the household, Nobuo Sunagawa, was written, while in others, only unemployed men known to President Hayakawa were listed, even the age was omitted. Such a report with different opinions is probably based on the news released by the police press conference or other channels, and there are also some speculations in it. Since Nobuo Sunagawa disappeared, hard work is life for Satoko, and the daily life is at a very difficult level, with no room for breathing. However, Riko does not resent Nobuo who ran away from home without a trace, and sometimes worries about him.Although sometimes angry with him, but really never hated him. Probably no one could understand such a mood, so she didn't tell anyone about it, and just lived her life in silence.After her husband left, she still continued to take care of her mother-in-law and raise her son on her own. Most of the sympathy for her kind care and the bottom-line malicious exploration of privacy were misunderstandings of her. Regarding the fact that Lizi still lives with her mother-in-law, well-meaning people say: Lizi is really amazing, he didn't abandon her mother-in-law.The malicious person sneered and said: It must be coveting mother-in-law's property. In the two or three years since Nobuo disappeared, such speculations and rumors kept spreading to the ears of Li's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.Every time they hear it, they can only smile wryly, laugh out loud, laugh at each other, laugh alone, or laugh to make friends who are unfair to them laugh. In fact, it was Lizi and Dumei who could not find a reason to live apart and continued to live together.Because of the lack of trustworthy husband, they need each other more.When Lizi goes out to work, Dumei needs to do housework to take care of Yi.Dumei was just over seventy at the time, and she was still in good health. She was even more afraid of living alone, and hoped to stay by Lizi and Yi's side. Besides, the two of them hit it off.Although they quarrel occasionally and get annoyed with each other, they basically get along very well.For example, in the extremely practical aspects of life, such as the seasoning of food, the way of cleaning, and the way of storing, the two people have the same ideas.They all like cleaning and are good at tidying up, especially paying attention to the dryness and tidiness of the bathroom and toilet.They are not that enthusiastic about cooking, and they all think that it is better to eat outside or buy food, such as tempura and tonkatsu, which will stain the kitchen with oil.As long as women have the same likes and dislikes in this part, capitalists and communists can live together. For Li Zi, whose parents died young and had few relatives and friends, Du Mei was the only relative she could call her mother. Of course, Du Mei's existence was very important.Although Yi is a grandson brought up by his grandmother, he has no bad influence.Even though Nobuo is away, Lizi, Yi and Dumei still organize a good family. And their idea is that the family should live together. Dumei often apologizes to Lizi, of course it is because of Nobuo.How did I raise this son who abandoned his wife and son?Riko, I'm sorry.While apologizing, she did not forget to grit her teeth and scold Nobuo, that son who is not good enough!Either start with anger and end with apology, or start with apology and end with anger. When Yi was in high school, he once commented on Dumei's emotional outburst: it has become a hobby of grandma, and it is almost the value of her existence.Lizi often thinks that Dumei is very strange, but he can only smile awkwardly, unable to stop her. When Du Mei was angry, he nonchalantly cursed Xinfu to die, and even said that if that guy dared to come back, I would kill him. Riko was not surprised, because she knew that Nobuo's disappearance was also due to the years of disputes with this tough mother. Nobuo didn't leave a word, didn't make a phone call, and just left without returning.However, judging from the way he packed up his belongings and went out with a travel bag, it can be judged that he left home on his own initiative.The passbook is also gone. At that time, before Lizi felt flustered, angry, and lamented, he actually thought of: ah!Dad really did!He finally made up his mind to go! Then I felt very sad and had tears in my eyes. For almost a month, she couldn't sleep well at night, wondering whether the frustrated Xinfu would go home with a travel bag?He woke up when he heard a sound, and when he got up to see what it was, he saw Du Mei in pajamas standing at the door and looking back at her. I seem to hear the sound of knocking on glass.Du Mei said with a terrifying expression. Nobuo is a wimp, if he comes back, he must sneak back in the middle of the night.If he dares to come back, I will beat him out.Lizi, don't protect him! Oh, I'm not going to defend him.Lizi prevaricated and went back to bed, but always kept his ears up until dawn.Is there any news of Nobuo's return?She thought in her heart, if he came back, if I didn't find out before grandma, he would feel sorry for him and grandma! The nights of such light sleep gradually decreased and the intervals became longer and longer as time passed.Although it can't be said that there is no such thing as a complete absence, the days when I don't want to believe in my husband have increased.She is also used to it. However, she never hated or complained. Nobuo Sunagawa is dead and appears to have been murdered.Not only did Lizi never think that he would die before grandma, he didn't even think that he would die. Riko believes that Nobuo ran away from home to avoid the devastating consequences of killing his mother Tome, dying with Tome, and dying himself in order to escape Tome.Because Nobuo believed that it was the most peaceful and peaceful way, so he evaporated.Abandoning Lizi and Yi was also necessary to escape Dumei.Lizi doesn't hate Nobuo, but thinks that Nobuo has no love for their mother and child. The future of the Shachuan family that Lizi had vaguely sketched was like this: Dumei died peacefully at the end of her life.She took out her savings and tried her best to help Dumei publish a larger obituary, hoping that Xinfu could see it, inform him of his mother's death, and tell him where she lived. In doing so, Nobuo will come to see her, and the time will surely come for them to start a new life and a new family.After Du Mei's death, facing his mother's tablet, he must have a lot to say in his heart. However, Lizi later felt that even if Xinfu came back, it would be impossible for him to live with him again, and even thought that when he came back, they would really divorce. After the new year three years ago, part of her imagination was shattered.That is Dumei fell ill.When the ambulance took her to the hospital, it was diagnosed as a stroke.Although alive, she could barely speak and was paralyzed on the right side of her body.After listening to the doctor's explanation, Lizi thought that grandma would not die. Dumei worked hard to recover when she was hospitalized, but a stroke in her 80s seriously affected every part of her body. Except for the hard of hearing and chronic low back pain before the stroke, she cried all day long about pain here and there, and soon developed a slight pain. The phenomenon of dementia in the elderly.After being hospitalized for half a year, the attending physician said that it was meaningless to do more inpatient medical treatment, and it was inconvenient to take care of her at home, so she suggested sending her to a special nursing center. Lizi shook her head, emotionally she couldn't bear it, and financially she didn't have the luxury.Then the attending physician advised them to use the city government's nursing support system and apply for a special nursing home for the elderly.Because the doctor can almost affirm that Du Mei's symptoms will neither worsen nor improve in the future. From the day Dumei came home from the hospital, Lizi's life became busier.Also because of the increase in medical expenses, the economy is even more difficult. Although Yi Ze and his wife are very caring, they cannot always rely on their kindness.Yi, who was still a high school student at the time, also started delivering newspapers in the morning, and went to work on construction sites or convenience stores after school, leaving little time for leisure.Sometimes when I find a particularly good part-time job opportunity, I will secretly skip class and go to work.He himself said at the beginning that he would give up going to college, but later he thought that he would simply drop out of high school and go to work.Only this, Riko tried his best to dissuade him, because he didn't want him to grow up in the future but regretted not graduating from high school. At that time, seeing Yi starving and starving at the construction site directing traffic when his friends went to play, and seeing his own face with dark eye sockets that could only sleep for four hours a day, Lizi couldn't help but feel depressed Tiredness: Is it just our mother and child who work so hard?However, what makes her most sad is that she has to witness the fact that Du Mei, who was once proud and self-denying, is completely a patient. Leaving Dumei, who is afraid of being alone, at home and going out to work by herself also makes Lizi feel sad.No matter how hard-working the nurses are, Dumei still cannot easily get to know and accept them. She is looking for Lizi like a child looking for her mother.In her body, the face of the powerful mother-in-law of the past has long disappeared. Therefore, when Dumei occasionally swears in a tone of strong hatred that surprised the nurse, Li Zi was very happy, which surprised the nurse even more.These assistants and caregivers who tour various families are people with rich social experience. They all think that Lizi and Dumei are mother and daughter, which also makes Lizi feel very funny.When they said in surprise!Are you a daughter-in-law?At that time, Lizi felt a sense of joy and complacency. Lizi and Yi worked hard to maintain this tightrope-walking life for two years.After graduating from high school, Yi successfully got a job and passed the coming-of-age ceremony.But Dumei's dementia symptoms continued to worsen. If Lizi didn't quit his job and go home to take care of her all day, it would be difficult to ensure her safety and well-being. Just at this time, the special nursing home for the elderly in the suburbs of Fukaya came to inform me that there were beds available. This is really a miracle!Mr. Yi Ze let out a big sigh. It's almost like someone reached out to help! Lizi has no objection to this luck, but has mixed feelings in his heart.Both Lizi and Yi are tired. To be honest, it would be great to be able to send Dumei to a special nursing home now!But on the other hand, the guilt of abandoning Dumei also tormented her. And Lizi thought, maybe there are families who have worked harder than us and are more urgently in need of beds in special care homes for the elderly. This thought made Yi laugh.Mom, don't be silly!In the eyes of others, you are already a champion of hard work. Even though he said that, he didn't agree to send Du Mei to the nursing home with a smile. After entering, the dementia will be more serious, right?He said anxiously, if I work day and night, can mom resign?If mom stayed at home with grandma, wouldn't she need to go to a nursing home? Of course Riko dismissed his idea.No matter how young Yi is, if he works day and night without a good rest, something will happen one day.At that time, Yi also fell ill, and Li Zi didn't know what to do. Truly a rare opportunity.It would be better for grandma to live in a nursing home with well-equipped medical facilities and ready access to medical care. After the Izes and his wife persuaded Riko, it took her several days to make up her mind.Even after making up my mind, I always want to change my mind. Also, convincing Du Mei is also a big deal.Lizi thinks that Dumei will definitely say not to go to the nursing home, but to stay at home. Lizi has no strong will to send the crying Dumei to a nursing home.If Dumei scolded her and said, Lizi, you don't want me anymore?She will be speechless because it is the truth.No matter how you use it, no matter how hard you tried in the past, as long as Du Mei is sent to a nursing home now, it is to abandon her However, unexpectedly, Du Mei readily agreed to live in the nursing home, and even urged her to go quickly. If you want to go, the sooner the better!I want to be cured quickly, so go to a nursing home! Riko was surprised.Dumei knew that she was sick and wanted to get cured quickly, which made Lizi a little sad. The staff of the nursing home told Lizi that receiving care in appropriate facilities, coupled with the stimulation of group life, can sometimes improve the symptoms of dementia, and Lizi made up his mind.Although there is still a sense of guilt in my heart, I will try to visit Dumei as often as possible in the future, at least I can make up for it. Fortunately, Du Mei quickly got used to the life in the nursing home.It's also because of her positive mindset of wanting to heal.After Lizi came here to see it, he realized that Dumei used to live alone at home every day, watching the house and doing housework, which was actually very boring.Dumei's dementia has no tendency to move around and eat, but to quietly close himself, becoming as emotionless and unresponsive as a plant.She is not really completely self-enclosed day in and day out, sometimes she will say something more cheerful, and her actions will suddenly be very quick, the symptoms are good and bad, but basically her body and brain are slowly aging , Locking herself in a cage of tranquility, Lizi thinks that our grandma has this type of dementia. Therefore, Lizi will make Dumei happy, take the initiative to give her some things to do, let her have some responsibilities, and will not follow her step by step.There is also a housewife who takes care of her mother-in-law near their home. Her mother-in-law is hyperactive dementia. She often complains that it is hard to take care of her. She envies the quiet old lady of the Sunagawa family.After hearing this, Lizi felt more or less comforted. In the nursing home, being stimulated by the outside world on a daily basis brought Du Mei back to life.At least the part that controls her emotional life wakes up from a long sleep and starts to move again.When Lizi went to visit on Sunday, she would say angrily that a certain nurse had a bad heart, or shyly say that the grandfather in the room number was very gentle to her, and would push her wheelchair for a walk in the atrium, or say with tears She saw the sparrow chick fall to the ground and die, and she was showing the emotion that had been lost for a long time. However, what should have been a gratifying event unexpectedly turned into a troublesome problem. Half a year after Du Mei was admitted to the nursing home, as usual, Lizi went to see her before noon on Sunday, when Du Mei was sitting on the bed watching TV.She was so fascinated by it that she didn't hear the old man in the same room talking.What exactly are you looking at?Lizi thought to himself, and watched TV curiously. It is a tracing program that interacts with the audience. In the screen, a woman in her thirties happens to be tearfully telling her that she wants to find her mother who she has never met since she divorced her father 20 years ago. Du Mei leaned forward, staring at the TV.Riko called out to her: Grandma, here I come. Du Mei didn't notice, she was muttering something. Ah, what?I said grandma, is the TV so good? Du Mei suddenly sat up straight, turned her head to see Lizi, grabbed her arm and pointed at the TV Riko, Riko, what are you doing?Hurry up and write! Lizi was at a loss.On the TV screen, the host, actress guests, and the woman who was looking for her mother just now blinked their rosy eyes together. write, write what? Du Mei waved her hands and feet anxiously. Did you see those words?The phone number is there, hurry up and write it down!Call over. At the bottom of the screen, the subtitles of "recruiting missing persons" flowed.Family members who have been separated from each other, unforgettable first loves, and former mentors, we will help you find them, and we will be true to each other! Du Mei pointed to the subtitles. Lizi, write it down quickly, please, they can help us find it. Looking, who are you looking for?grandmother. Du Mei showed a disgusted expression that she hadn't seen for a long time. who?How heartless!So you don't want him at all, sure! I said grandma Find Nobuo!Du Mei said as she rubbed her wet eyes.Please TV station help find Nobuo!The kid must have wanted to go home too. Lizi was so surprised that he felt as if he had lost his way, and he didn't know how to answer Dumei for a while. It has been almost fifteen years since Nobuo disappeared, and this is the first time Du Mei mentioned this matter. Find Nobuo! That kid must want to go home too. Lizi could not but doubt his ears.Du Mei stared straight at her with disgust, which also shocked her greatly. In Sunagawa's house, Domei's hatred, Domei's impatience, and Domei's sighs are always aimed at Nobuo.Dumei's indiscretion may be the reason why Xinfu believes that his life is unfortunate.She was always openly expressing her anger at the incompetent son, and the incomprehension that the incompetent son did not understand the grievance that I had to live with humiliation. She never cared about Nobufu's feelings, scolded him like this face to face, and even told him deliberately like whipping him with words. When Lizi married, she thought they were a strange pair of mother and son.信夫是上司推薦的相親對象，里子本身對信夫的確沒有強烈的思慕與愛情，只是覺得他這個男人認真老實而親和。 本來應該會誇讚兒子，稍有不對便苛責媳婦至少世間都有這習慣的婆婆卻對里子說： 你能嫁給信夫，真是感恩哪！可是里子啊，看來你也是可憐人，選擇了背負辛苦哦。 不只是這樣，她還嚴厲地斥責兒子： 人家肯嫁給你這樣的人，要是不好好對待人家，會有報應的！ 不管母親說什麼，砂川信夫不是裝做沒聽到，就是隨口是、是地敷衍過去。這也讓里子很難理解。婚後不久，她忍不住問信夫，你怎麼受得了媽媽那樣刻薄的話語？媽媽又為什麼要那樣整你呢？ 砂川信夫懦弱地笑笑，疲累地撇撇嘴角說，沒辦法哪，我就是這種角色，你不用在意我媽說什麼。 no, sorry!你是我老公，再怎麼樣我也不希望媽媽這樣說你。 看里子說得堅決，信夫的笑容也從剛才掩飾脆弱感情的假笑換成真心的笑容。 real?我很高興你站在我這邊。 里子記憶中，信夫最好看的表情就是這時的笑容。 里子的記憶中，還有另一個總是和這個笑容早對比的表情。那是婚後的第一個新年，在砂川的老家當時是都梅一個人住的木造平房門前拍的照片中信夫的表情。那天他們拿著相機出門，正好碰到隔壁那對夫妻經過，於是請他們幫忙拍照。都梅、信夫和里子三人並肩而立。 通常這時候會是信夫在中間，都梅和里子站兩旁。可是這張照片裡，都梅站在中間。這種排列如果是都梅偏離里子而緊緊黏著信夫，別人也很容易理解，這是鍾愛兒子佔有慾望極強的母親。可是砂川家人不然，都梅是偏離信夫而緊緊靠著里子。 照片中，猶是新婚少婦穿著和服的里子，被使勁抬高下巴身材厚實的婆婆挽著，生嫩地看著鏡頭。信夫也穿著剛做好的毛料套裝，和母親之間空出半個身體的距離，微微低頭，嘴角帶著淡淡笑意。 他雙手垂在身旁，像是毫無自我主見。他的笑容裡也沒有一絲主見。那是從小為了無奈地接受無奈、為了欺騙自己我現在受到的對待不會傷害我，我不在乎而浮現的笑容。讓里子傷心的是，對信夫來說，他面對她時的開朗笑容，和他習慣性浮現的空虛笑容，都是真實的。 都梅和信夫的母子關係一直是這樣，里子經過很長的時間才習慣。 正因為如此，她才受到都梅話語的衝擊。都梅剛才認真地說要找信夫，還指責到現在都沒去找信夫的里子無情。 到底是怎麼了？ 都梅不是一時高興而說的。她也沒有精神錯亂。是安養院的生活讓都梅變了一個人。 是有什麼扭曲？還是原本扭曲的東西變直了？她接受了什麼？長眠內心中的什麼甦醒了？狂暴的什麼又靜靜地睡去了？誰也不能正確知道都梅身上發生了什麼事。醫師也無法診斷出來，只知道都梅變了這個事實。她從過去徘徊愛恨兩極之間的都梅，變成了鍾愛兒子怨懟媳婦的普通婆婆砂川都梅。 雖然這很正常，但對里子來說，卻是辛苦日子的開始。 此後，都梅的日常是以對里子發洩不滿鬱憤為驅動力而轉動。安養院裡的職員、護士和同房的老人，對曾經那樣仰仗媳婦的都梅突然變成開始抱怨媳婦的惡婆婆，一樣感到驚訝。他們有的會安慰都梅，或者附和她也說起自己媳婦的壞話來，有的會責備都梅，或是拉著來探病的里子勸她安慰她。大家的反應各式各樣。 都梅雖然變了，可是里子自己不能變。不論都梅用多難堪的話責備她，或是用幾近捏造的謊言污衊她，她都覺得此時此刻更不能拋棄都梅。 再說，里子也很想知道都梅內心究竟發生了什麼事，會突然對信夫又愛又憐。她會認為信夫突然蒸發了是因為和里子不和嗎？她也會說從來不去找信夫的里子是鐵石心腸的女人吧？在都梅漸漸衰弱的腦子某處，產生了對她過去苛待兒子的排斥反應嗎？她在沒有清算這一切以前不能死即使是用謊言和欺騙把責任推卸到別人身上，不清算個明白她就無法安心地走是這個衝動戲劇性地改變了都梅嗎？ 信夫蒸發後這麼久以來，里子頭一次盼望他回家。她也真的夢見信夫在家，夢中的他笑著。 （儘管如此） 為什麼這麼諷刺？信夫死了，不，是被殺死了。 （不，他是不是真被殺了還不知道。沒錯，被殺非同小可，還不知道他是不是真被捲入那種事情裡。） 很長一段時間音訊全無的丈夫突然有了消息，不論是死了還是被殺了，都很難讓人立刻接受，也湧不起任何感情。里子怎麼也想像不到老實的砂川信夫會死在別人手上。而且，那個荒川一家四口命案好像有牽扯法律的複雜背景。信夫怎麼會扯上關係呢？ 十五年的歲月，無聲無息地從里子身上輾過。因為日子過得忙累，她無暇傾聽時間通過的聲音，也無暇注意時間擦身而過後留在身體和精神上的痕跡。結果就是時間消逝了，里子卻毫無實際感覺。她太忙了，即使此刻看到鏡中老了十五歲的自己，也想不起十五年前的自己是什麼樣子這都是因為太忙了啊呀！我都變成了這等老太婆了，甚至連這樣苦笑自嘲的餘裕也沒有。 里子心想，如果信夫回來了有一天他回來的話歲月的痕跡一定深深刻在他的臉上。 車子可以停在正門前嗎？ 伊澤問她，里子回過神來。都梅住的特別養護老人院黎明園的三層樓建築就在眼前。 里子指示伊澤把車子停到後面的來賓用停車場。車子一停妥，她就率先下車，也不等伊澤夫婦，便小步跑向正門的接待處。即使可能是天大的誤會，但信夫或許是荒川區遇害者之一的消息都讓她緊張不已，更何況是婆婆。她怕裡面有人不小心告訴都梅這個消息。或者是都梅真的聽說了，但最好是仍處在一時會意不過來的茫然狀態。 里子和黎明園的職員很熟，尤其是今天坐櫃檯的中年男職員，跟里子頗合得來，每次她來探望時都會和她聊聊。 一看見里子走進自動門，該中年職員立刻起身。 啊，砂川太太，你來得正好。 morning. 里子氣喘吁吁，一路跑來不知道為什麼心跳得很厲害，好像有什麼事情發生的不好預感。 剛剛，山口醫生才打電話給你呢！砂川太太，你看到新聞沒有？ 這麼說，已經在園內引起話題了嗎？ 我先生的名字是荒川一家四口命案的新聞嗎？電視新聞也播了嗎？我是看報紙知道的。 那名職員雙手撐在櫃檯上，傾身向前。 是今早的新聞廣場，還報出都梅婆婆的各字，結果引起一陣騷動。都梅婆婆明明在這裡住得好好的嘛！ 我也嚇一跳 這時，伊澤夫婦趕到。里子忙對他們說，這裡還是傳開了。 老奶奶知道了嗎？伊澤總子問道。她的目光和櫃檯職員對個正著。 還不知道吧！職員答道，都梅婆婆今天早起就不舒服，早飯也沒吃，昏沉沉地躺著，我們以為今天又是那種日子。 都梅不時會出現嗜睡的週期，嚴重時整天都不吃飯，只是睡個不停。護士說這樣對身體不好，要餵她吃飯，她也是邊吃邊打瞌睡。 山口醫生呢？ 我來問醫事局，你等一下。 櫃檯職員正要拿起內線電話時，電話響了。 喂，櫃檯啊，山口醫生，電話當然沒人接，砂川太太現在就在這裡。ah?I see. 奶奶怎麼了嗎？ 沒有，都梅婆婆沒問題，她還在睡。山口醫生請你到三樓的護理站。 里子一行立刻奔上樓去。