Nogami Kayo and her husband Shigeru, affectionately called `Kabei` and `Tobei` by their daughters, form a small and happy family in 1940s Japan. When Shigeru is imprisoned for political reasons, however, Kayo is left to carry the family as war breaks out in the Pacific. In these dark times, Shigeru‘s frazzled, kindhearted student Yamasaki Toru shows up at the doorstep to offer his help. Devoting his time and heart to supporting the family and fighting for Shigeru‘s release, Yamasaki develops a strong bond with Kayo, her daughters, and her sister-in-law Hisako. Kayo stands as a pillar of silent strength through the years of war and strife, taking the trials that come one by one, but not even she can anticipate where her heart lies and fate leads.