Convenience Store Woman

Keiko’s final day at Smile Mart arrives. She gave two weeks’ notice, though the store usually requires four. Manager #8 is happy for her and made an exception; Keiko notes that he no longer seems like a manager but a man. Mrs. Izumi also seems happy for her, despite her and Manager #8 having previously criticized those who quit without enough notice. Keiko is being replaced by a girl from Myanmar; on her final day, she notes that she will never appear on the store’s cameras again. She receives an expensive pair of chopsticks as a joint farewell-wedding gift from Mrs. Izumi and Sugawara.

Keiko reflects on how quickly previous staffers have been replaced and realizes that the space she occupied at the store will be filled just as quickly. After saying goodbye and stepping outside, she notices that the store is lit up even more brightly than the sky, and that it resembles a shining aquarium again. She bows to the store and, uncertain of what the future holds, walks toward the metro station.

At home, Shiraha waits impatiently after having looked for work for Keiko. He tells her that she must find a job to support them both.