Machiko turns from her wardrobe to find her parents being attended by the medics. Her father lies on the floor on his back with an oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth. The look on his face is reassuringly familiar, a look of annoyed self-restraint, stubbornly resolute. It is on account of what he refers to as the "vile traitor" in his chest. One day soon he will have no choice but to agree to replace it with a cardiac prosthesis. Until then, he tolerates the occasional pain. He will not give himself to the surgeon's blade until he is left with no choice, and so he must tolerate the occasional pain.