Before welcoming the New Year, a sacred straw rope known as shimenawa is required to cleanse away misfortune. These ropes are said to possess special powers. The secret lies in soaking them with a woman's bodily fluids. Hikaru, Shiho's son, works as a shimenawa artisan in the countryside and handles this ritual every year. Once again, he has contacted his mother, asking her to soak the rope with her fluids, as it is believed to imbue the shimenawa with unique power. This year, too, Shiho comes to her son, desiring to be bound by the rope. Her willingness reflects both her devotion and belief.