Kaoru's Mother

As the novel was never finalized by Otsuichi, it is unknown how the story would have progressed.↗

Background

Kaoru's Mother lived a normal life with her son and husband until one fateful day in 1997. She told Kaoru that he ended up in a car accident and his father was critically injured while shielding Kaoru. He was taken to a hospital and immediately underwent surgery, but passed away during the procedure. Since then, she would constantly move away with Kaoru from place to place without planning on the location beforehand, simply relying on her intuition.↗

On a winter night in around 1999 to 2000, she and Kaoru have no choice but to sleep at a bus stop and nearly freeze to death. She reveals to Kaoru about the mysterious pursuer coming for him in the future, though she claims not to know who it is. They are rescued by a lady who passes by them while driving, who allows them to stay at her house.↗

Moving to Morioh

On June 1, 2000, she and Kaoru get off the bus at a random stop, not even knowing that the town's name is Morioh until they see the sign on the bus stop. They luckily find a real estate agency shortly after walking from the station. Kaoru's mother asks for a cheap apartment where she could move in immediately and where the landlord wouldn't ask too many details, which raises the agent's suspicions. He asks her to bring an adult guardian if she's a minor, angering her.↗

Kaoru's mother signs the documents, not wanting to let the room go as they most likely wouldn't get a better deal. For the guarantor section, she writes the name of her late husband's stepfather; he was apparently a man she only met once during her husband's funeral, but was also the only one willing to help her out. Kaoru and his mother celebrate their new residence by eating a giant frozen pizza.↗

Broken Vase Incident

Not having beds or any furniture, the two sleep on sleeping bags for a while. However, they feel much more comfortable than they were before. On June 20, Kaoru accidentally bumps into a man, knocking over a case he was carrying which contained an expensive vase. Kaoru's mother arrives and confronts the man, apologizing and promising to pay for the damages. Regardless, the man continues insulting Kaoru and his mother.↗

A Mysterious Pursuer

Later, she notices Kaoru's happy and restless behavior, wondering whether he made any new friends. Upon hearing that it's Josuke, she worries that he is a delinquent and too old to be Kaoru's friend, but Kaoru asserts that Josuke is a good person. His mother decides to trust his judgement and starts talking about her day at work. Kaoru is relieved she seems to be doing okay.↗

On July 5, Kaoru meets an old man who implies Kaoru's father is still alive and that his mother is hiding expensive jewelry or artwork.↗↗

Profile details

Status: Alive (Novel)↗