dinner in your honor.
Make him order a lot.
Of course it's my treat.
But nothing too expensive.
Stingy.
Expensive dishes
aren't necessarily good.
Let's go.
Good evening.
Who is it?
It's me.
Ah, noriko.
Come in.
I'm glad you came.
Thanks.
- Mitsuko's fast asleep.
- Yes.
You're packing?
I'm not making much progress.
This is a farewell gift
from my family.
You shouldn't have.
You're very kind.
Thank you very much.
Where's kenkichi?
He's still at his farewell party,
even though he leaves
tomorrow morning.
And when will you join him?
As soon as i finish
cleaning this place up.
It must be difficult.
Thanks for everything
all these years.
Is this your first trip to akita?
Yes.
The furthest north i've been
is utsunomiya.
You'll come back in a few years.
Kenkichi says so too.
He means it.
I hope he's right.
I wanted him to remarry,
and we'd all live here
the rest of my life.
Listen...
i hope you won't be offended,
and please don't tell kenkichi.
What is it?
Well...
i know it's an impossible dream.
I just wish kenkichi had gotten
remarried to someone like you.
I so hoped it would come true.
- Really?
Please don't be angry.
It's just a wish in my heart.
Just a dream of mine.
Do you mean it?
What?
Do you really feel
that way about me?
I'm sorry. I didn't mean
to hurt your feelings.
You wouldn't mind
an old maid like me?
Then i accept.
Really?
You mean it?
Are you sure?
Can i really believe you?
How happy i am!
You really mean it?
This is so wonderful!
Thank you so much!
Thank god i mentioned it,
or this would've never happened.
See? Sometimes it's good
that i talk so much.
Oh, am i happy!
I feel so relieved.
Let's have some red-bean buns.
No, thank you.
I must go now.
Why?
Please wait until
kenkichi comes home.
It's already late.
Very well.
Can i really believe it?
You promise?
How happy i am!
Good night,
and thank you again.
Good evening.
Thanks for last night.
- When's your train tomorrow?
- It's the 8:45 to aomori.
Well, good night.
I'm home.
Did you see noriko?
Did she say anything?
No, nothing in particular.
Kenkichi,
she said she'd join our family.
She promised she would!
You see, i told her
what's been on my mind.
It was good that i did.
I didn't think she'd accept.
What is this about?
- She accepted.
- Accepted what?
She agreed to marry you.
To become your wife!
My wife?
Yes.
Isn't it wonderful?
I'm so happy for you.
I'm crazy with joy.
You must be happy too.
I'm really glad for you.
Then stop crying.
I can't help it.
If you're happy, then show it.
You are happy, aren't you?
Yes, i'm happy.
Then show it.
You don't have to hold back.
What an odd boy you are.
Is noriko back?
I heard her come in
a few minutes ago.
Father.
You too, mother.
Please come downstairs.
What is it?
Please sit down.
Well?
Noriko wants to marry yabe.
Kenkichi?
She says she promised
his mother just now.
But he's leaving for akita
tomorrow morning.
That's why i decided.
This is an important matter.
Have you given it careful consideration?
He has a child.
We've all been concerned
about getting you married.
You know that.
Why didn't you at least
talk to father and mother?
Have you thought this through?
You acted rashly.
I don't know about father and mother,
but i don't like this match.
But i -
when his mother talked to me,
i didn't feel a moment's hesitation.
I suddenly felt i'd be happy with him.
That's why i accepted.
Are you sure
you won't be sorry later?
I don't think so.
Are you sure?
You won't regret this later?
I'm sure.
You're positive?
You won't regret it?
No, i won't.
Don't you feel chilly, dear?
Let's go back upstairs.
Let's go to bed.
It was thoughtless of her
to decide on her own.
She acts like she grew up
all by herself.
What should we do?
Should we let her?
Why not?
It's her own decision.
Maybe something can still be done.
What could we do now?
She's made up her mind.