The Shape of Happiness: A Family Crumbling Due to the Mother's Infidelity, a Wounded Middle School Daughter, and a Struggling Father Finding a New Form of Happiness. - Episode 13

The store manager gave me a ride close to my house, and I was walking along the dark road to my home. My heart felt like it was about to burst with guilt toward my family.

The manager kept saying, “Akiko, I love you,” and “I want you, Akiko,” over and over. He aggressively showed his desire, reminding me of past men with a hunger like wild animals. It didn’t feel good, but seeing how much he wanted me filled my heart. It was just like the days when I drowned in pleasure.

Even when we parted, the manager forcefully kissed me in the car—a long, deep kiss. His last words were, “Akiko, I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

Once I was away from him, I felt the weight of my foolish decision. Betraying Shinichi and Misaki was crushing, and I deeply regretted what I’d done.

Soon, I could see my house. I wanted to get home quickly but didn’t want to go inside. How could I face those two? My steps slowed, but each one brought me closer to the house.

I stopped at the front door, took a deep breath, and unlocked it.

Click.

“I’m home…”

The moment I stepped in, a delicious smell greeted me.

Shinichi peeked out from the kitchen with a warm smile.

“Welcome back. You must be tired from work.”

“Mom! Dad’s beef stew is amazing!” Misaki said as she appeared.

My heart overflowed with guilt… or was it guilt?

Wait. The guilt… is fading?

“Akiko, are you okay?”

“Mom…?”

Both of them looked worried as they stared at me.

“Oh, I’m fine! I’ll eat a little too!”

“Okay, I’ll warm it up. Go get changed.”

“I’ll get the salad ready!”

The two disappeared into the kitchen.

Even the faint guilt I had began to fade.

That’s when I realized something.

If no one finds out, it’s like nothing happened.

A strange feeling crept up inside me, and a thrill ran down my back. Standing at the entrance, I couldn’t stop the sly grin from forming on my face.

Six months after starting at the supermarket

“Honey, I’m sorry, but can you take care of dinner again tonight?”

“Sure, but you’ve been really busy lately.”

“Yeah, we’ve been having non-stop sales. Stocking shelves and decorating displays is exhausting.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“Thanks, I’ll be careful.”

Shinichi doesn’t understand.

My relationship with Atsushi, the store manager, continued. Tonight, I’d respond to his desires again. He’s relentless, consuming me like a beast. I found joy in being his willing prey.

Shinichi, oblivious, greeted me with a kind smile. I thought of his face as Atsushi held me. This feeling of forbidden pleasure was something I could never find elsewhere. I couldn’t wait to see Atsushi tonight.

One year after starting at the supermarket

“Akiko, can’t you reduce your shifts a bit?”

“Why?”

“For the past six months, I’ve been doing all the housework. I want to help, but I’m exhausted.”

“So, you’re telling me to give up the purpose I’ve finally found in life? You’re such a cold man, trying to control your wife’s life. That’s awful.”

“I’m not trying to control you…”

“Isn’t that exactly what you’re doing? You just don’t like what I’m doing!”

“Mom, why are you talking like that? Dad works so hard every day…”

“Misaki, you’re taking his side too? Both of you are against me!”

“We’re not blaming you!”

“Enough! I’m continuing my part-time job, and that’s final! Stop complaining!”

I stormed off to the supermarket.

They’re so annoying. Why did I even get married? I wish Misaki wasn’t my daughter—I want a child with Atsushi instead! Why didn’t I meet him sooner?

One and a half years after starting at the supermarket

Misaki came to me with a serious look. Now what?

“…Mom… what should I do…?”

It seemed like she’d just had her first period. Why come to me? A simple “Can I have some pads?” would’ve been enough. What a bother.

I grabbed a pad from the bathroom and tossed it to her.

“Ask your dad.”
“What…?”
“Ask your dad! I’m heading to work now!”

A few hours later

When I came home, Shinichi was furious. I’d never seen him so angry before.

“You’re her mother! Why didn’t you help Misaki?”

“It’s just her period. What’s the big deal?”

“She’s facing changes in her body for the first time. Of course, she’d be anxious!”

“I gave her a pad. That’s enough.”

“She came to me crying, clutching a pad, unsure what to do. Her underwear was stained, and she was terrified!”

“So, you helped her, right? Problem solved.”

“That’s not the point! A mother was there, yet she had to turn to her father. Can you imagine how that felt for her?”

What is wrong with him? I snapped.

“Then let’s get divorced.”

“What?”

“You criticize everything I do. It’s emotional abuse. You push your opinions on me. Let’s just separate.”

“Akiko, are you serious…”

“I don’t care. I’m tired of this family. You and your annoying daughter—I’ve had enough.”

Shinichi fell silent.

Soon, I’ll really leave them.

Two years after starting at the supermarket

Tonight, Atsushi and I went on another night drive. It’s always in the company car, but that adds to the thrill.

I hid by reclining the seat as we left the store, my heart racing at the thought of being caught. At a traffic light, I sat up, and we kissed for the world to see. This was happiness.

On the way to our destination, I showed Atsushi my love, and he gently stroked my head. Deep inside, something rejoiced.

I was the princess trapped by life’s chains, and Atsushi was the prince saving me.

This love, this happiness—I’ll never let it go.