After his mother's death, the protagonist desires even the smallest act of tenderness from his father, who never extended his hand or bestowed a soft pat on the head, even though he was a young child. This story is set before Hanazakari no Niwa and was published subsequently. Additionally, the book comprises two other stories, "Flower of the Sky" and "Dark Eyes," both set during difficult periods of a woman's life, and her encounter with a man.