Yoriko Sasaki adopted Anna at age five following the death of the girl’s biological grandmother, Marnie, embracing motherhood with heartfelt joy. She worked to bond with Anna by teaching practical skills like knife usage and regularly sought parenting guidance from her relative Setsu, whose lighthearted deflections tempered Yoriko’s occasionally overzealous calls. At twelve, Anna discovered government subsidies supporting her adoption, sparking emotional withdrawal. Though unaware Anna knew of the payments, Yoriko noticed her daughter’s growing distance and blank expressions. After an asthma attack prompted a doctor to recommend countryside air, Yoriko organized Anna’s summer stay with Setsu and Kiyomasa Oiwa in a coastal town, packing snacks and stationery to encourage letters. During the separation, Yoriko sent frequent letters and calls voicing concern. Reuniting, she directly addressed the subsidies, stressing their love transcended financial support. This openness, paired with Anna’s realization of her blood tie to Marnie via an old photograph, led to tearful reconciliation. Anna’s first use of “mother” for Yoriko marked a turning point. Prone to emotional outbursts and tears under strain, Yoriko relentlessly prioritized Anna’s health and happiness, from medical consultations to arranging the restorative summer away. By resolving the subsidy conflict with transparency, she reinforced that family bonds outweighed monetary factors, fostering mutual trust and acceptance between them.