Fujishimo Ikue is a quiet, reserved older woman who lives in the house intended for her family. It was built by her late husband, and after the miscarriage of her son, it is only inhabited by Ikue. There is a sorrowful beauty to her, even now, though her shell has proved too thick for any prospective young suitors. She insists that her house is haunted, though pretends it does not bother her.