When a Woman Ascends the Stairs Page #5

That's my dream.

Dreams are nice,

but first take a long look

in the mirror.

That's rude!

Speaking of which,

Mama never replied to my offer.

Did she say anything to you?

- No.

Listen...

What are you doing?

I want my own bar.

I feel my youth

fading by the day.

Sick people always say that.

Maybe I should go to the beauty salon.

It's been so long.

Want a massage?

That's all right.

I don't have much to do.

Lie down.

I hate to impose.

Here?

How's that?

I used to give my boss massages

when we went on business trips.

Brother...

were you this kind

to your wife?

Of course.

She was my wife.

That's why she left you...

and her own son.

I'm home.

Welcome back.

The owner came by to see me.

Really?

She gave me this.

You take it.

You sure?

Thanks a lot.

How did it go?

Let me smoke first.

Don't smoke the butts.

Take these.

Thanks.

Life now really makes me

long for the old days.

Those were good times.

Your father had the fish market.

We sent you

to a good school.

What did my sister-in-law say?

That she'd never return

to a family like this.

That's how couples

are these days.

You don't have to run off.

Emiko asked about you.

"How's his job

as an insurance salesman?"

You've wound up like this

because you're too nice!

You go to court again

next week, right?

I ran into your lawyer

at the bus stop.

Why didn't you say anything?

I've troubled you enough.

It's a little late for that now.

Why'd you affix your seal

to a receipt

you knew nothing about?

Did you have to do

everything your boss said?

That's right! I'm too nice!

I'm just a fool!

They were selling

these sweet bean cakes.

They're hard to find.

Have one.

No, thanks.

They're good.

I said no.

Fine. I won't force you,

but I got them just for you.

I guess you only like

fancy things these days.

It's not that.

I'm just not hungry.

Fine.

But you really can't afford

to be so extravagant.

What do you mean,

extravagant?

Aren't you?

You keep a fancy apartment

instead of living at home.

That's not an extravagance.

Then what is it?

Tell me!

Customers come to the Ginza

for a taste of luxury.

Satisfying that craving

is what we're paid for.

Apartments beyond our means,

taxis, expensive perfumes -

it all serves that purpose.

Men wouldn't be interested

if they knew I lived

in a place like this.

Somehow it would show,

no matter what I did.

Isn't it a shame

you're stuck with us?

Why even come home?

Go to some expensive hospital.

Mother.

Isn't it the truth?

That would suit

your silk kimono better!

Mother, how many times

must I tell you?

Kimonos aren't a luxury for me!

I know - it's business!

That's right! Looking good

means good customers.

In the Ginza,

appearance is everything.

You wouldn't understand.

I'm actually quite frugal.

Flashy kimonos

would get more attention,

but I can't wear them

in the daytime,

so I buy plain ones instead.

You have no right

to call me extravagant!

I said I understood!

Then stop saying it!

Who'd ever want

to work in a bar?

Drinking till I'm sick,

being a plaything for men.

I haven't enjoyed a single day

since I started.

Even lying here, thoughts of bills

torment my dreams.

I'm miserable!

But how else could I send you

If you can find a better job,

tell me and I'll quit!

Go ahead and insult me!

I'm a burden on you!

Just leave us!

Stop it!

Just go downstairs!

It's all my fault.

Keiko doesn't have to pay

for the lawyer.

I'll just go to prison.

Don't say that.

I'll ask again

when she's in a better mood.

Take this.

That's all right.

Don't tell her.

Excuse me.

My name is Sekine.

Mr. Sekine?

No, I'd be ashamed

if he saw me here.

Tell him I have a fever.

How can I do that?

Please just get rid of him!

I see. That's too bad.

I just had business nearby

and wondered how she was.

I'm sorry

she's not being more polite.

It's all right.

Please give her this.

It must be hard on you,

but please

take good care of her.

What a kind man.

How'd he find out I was here?

What does it matter?

Fat people are usually nice.

His wife is certainly lucky.

He's not married.

You don't say.

Doesn't he remind you

of Yasuo?

He was such a kind son-in-law.

I'm going back to work next week.

But you're not -

I have to.

That's why the owner came by.

I see.

Would you talk

to your brother's lawyer first?

Money will settle it.

Help him out.

No!

I have no money.

LAW OFFICES:

Despite what I'd said,

I couldn't let my brother go to jail.

I'd only been away

from the bar a month,

but I couldn't get used

to being back.

Maybe because

Junko and Tomoko were away.

Whiskey on the rocks.

Without any water?

Same thing last night too.

Mama, do you still feel worn out?

A little.

Everyone's dressed so nicely.

All under 10,000 yen.

You're kidding!

That cheap?

It's true.

Miss Kiyomi sold them

to the girls before Christmas.

She bought the clothes

Miss Yuri had pawned,

then sold them to the girls here.

She must have made 300,000.

Very smart.

Smarter if she'd saved it.

She spent it all on that guy

who sells black-market whiskey.

Mr. Komatsu's

in Akasaka right now.

I'm here as a customer tonight.

White Horse. A double.

- It's been a long time.

- It has.

That's no tone

to use with a customer.

I quit the black market.

Next time

it would have been jail.

Don't be so stuck up.

I know you're Ionely.

I've been thinking about it:

Give me a chance just once.

You won't regret it.

I'm a paying customer!

Oh, hello.

- Leaving?

- I was, but come up.

No, I'll drive you home.

You will? All right.

I'm glad to see you're better.

Thank you for calling on me.

You drive well.

I'm just a safe driver.

I don't drink.

Bars can't be much fun then.

I'm looking for a mistress.

Always joking.

I wouldn't date a woman

if I weren't considering

marrying her.

Thanks.

What?

Would you laugh

if I proposed to you?

I know.

No need to answer.

I just wanted to say it once.

Pretend I never said it.

Bye.

Oh, it's you.

What is it?

I waited here.

Better than going to your bar.

May I come in?

- Don't be so formal.

You must be tired.

What do you want?

Out with it.

The lawyer got me

a suspended sentence.

It's all thanks to you.

You needn't have come.

I already knew that.

So what is it you want now?

Money again?

It's not for me.

- Yoshio?

- Yes.

Dr. Murata said

if he operates now,

Yoshio will be walking

before school starts.

Without crutches?

Well, that'll take six months

of physical therapy.

But he can't go

to school as he is.

I know you'll say no.

It's a lot of money.

Then why come?

I'm sorry.

I've always been a coward.

I don't know why.

How much will it cost?

Never mind.

It's selfish of me.

I just thought maybe

you could ask the owner -

How much?

At least 70 or 80,000.

It can be in installments.

Please help us.

I won't ask again.

That's what you always say.

I mean it.

I've made up my mind.

We'll cut our ties

as brother and sister.

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