Haijima Ryu, the deputy editor of a travel magazine, works vigorously at a breakneck pace. He has conceived consecutive hit projects and the magazine’s circulation has even soared. The editor regards Ryu as a candidate to be the next editor and pins his hopes on him. But at home, Ryu’s wife Sae, who works part-time at the library while supporting the family as a housewife, is disgruntled that he cares only about his work. One day, Ryu breathes heavily, breaks out in cold sweat and is assailed by a deep sense of unease on the train. This is his first panic attack. A proud and vain man, Ryu cannot bring himself to confess his illness to his company and his family.