Afterword
Hello, dear reader. This is Inaka.
I really appreciate you picking up this book. I was able to release a second volume because of all of you. My gratitude is from the heart.
This is a story about parents and children. While writing it, I frequently encountered great difficulty.
The biggest challenge comes from just how many things can’t be made perfectly clear.
Children are frustrated with their parents but can’t bring themselves to completely reject them. There’s always a part of them they can’t bring themselves to hate…and a fear of what would happen if their mothers gave up on them.
Because of that, the children’s attitudes can often end up feeling murky.
Meanwhile, the parents have their own issues; they have their own thoughts about parenting, based on their life experiences and values. As a mere writer, who am I to pass judgment on their ideas?
You see, what we have there is not right and wrong but merely differences of opinion. Just as each household puts different ingredients in their miso soup. As long as they enjoy the soup, they can put whatever they like in it! And that makes stories about parenting rather difficult.
I hope you will continue to support me in my efforts to wrangle the subject. Nothing would make me happier.
There are a few people I should thank.
Iida Pochi., who drew the illustrations. My publishers, my editor, K. Everyone involved in sales. You’ve all been such a great help. I can’t thank you enough, and I ask that you continue to assist me.
Finally, I received a Valentine’s Day message from Mother Inaka. It read:
Dear Machida Inaka.
I got you no chocolate, just chocolate-like feelings.
Love,
Original Mom.
That’s how she signed it…your classic mom e-mail. Thank you so much.
Early spring 2017, Dachima Inaka
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