"We may hurt each other again in the future, but please, do not close off your heart."

📘 Releaf Book Letter Vol.5

These are the words spoken by Kara, the manager of the share house, when one of the characters, Ayumi, confided a secret to her.
I feel that this single sentence encapsulates the entire story.

📗 Book of the Week

"8 Minutes Walk from Kamakura Station, Vacancy Available" by Tsukiko Ochi

"I want to create a place where single women can live with peace of mind in their old age."
It was with this thought in mind that I encountered this book.

The protagonist, Kara, lives alone in a large Western-style house in Kamakura.
In one corner of the house, she runs a "home cafe" with only six seats on the terrace.

One day, her friend from student days, Mikiko, moves in uninvited.
Having decided to divorce, she suggests,
"Let's turn this house into a share house for women only."

Ignoring Kara's reluctance, Mikiko steadily proceeds with the preparations...
Before she knows it, Satoko, Ayumi, and Chieko join as residents,
and five women, including Kara, begin living under one roof.

They are women of different ages and backgrounds.
Through clashing, sharing secrets, and reuniting with family,
they gradually close the distance between their hearts.

Living with others means that sometimes you will hurt each other.
But the warm meals Kara makes gently soften the atmosphere.
Gathering around the dining table together, they gradually find a way to compromise—
the depiction of such careful moments touched my heart very gently.

🌱 Words of the Week (A Question After Reading)

"What are your ideals and anxieties regarding 'living with someone'?"

☕ Editor's Note

What is an ideal old age?
Choosing solitude can feel lonely, even if it seems independent.
Living together might not work out with kindness alone.
But I felt as if I had found a small sprout of hope within that realistic situation.

✉️ Releaf Book Letter Introduction