In this chapter, the young woman, who we'll call "Mariko," tells us that she's too old to be in love. She's already married, and she doesn't think she'll be able to get married any time soon. She says that she loves her lover, but she can't stand the thought of being alone with him. She wants to be independent, she says, because she was born in a poor family and she has a hard time finding work. The loan officer tells her that it's very difficult to get a job in the city because of the high cost of living and the stigma against anyone who isn't on a regular wage. The only thing she can think of is saving up the money she needs to pay the loan officer.