Michiyo’s friends Reiko and Mayumi have no money worries, but are spiritually unhappy. They find temporary relief from their depression with new lovers, but this happiness is short lived. Reiko’s lover, Tachibana, is killed in an unfortunate accident, and Mayumi’s lover, Shimotsuma, ends their relationship when his wife dies of illness. Only partially fulfilled, they return to their previous mundane lives.