In the first story I read, Komura needs help from Shimao to realize his self worth. After Komamura's wife left him after the earthquake, he starts to feel down so his co-worker sends him to deliver a package, but while on this excursion Komura finds out a lot more about himself with the help of Shimao who he just met on the trip. Komura says “There’s nothing inside me, I guess (22).” But Shimao being a supportive friend replies “I don’t know whether you’ve got something inside you, but I think you’re terrific (22-23).” Shimao saying this is very helpful and boost the little confidence that Komura has about himself. Since he believed he had no self-worth hearing one positive can really change a mentality, and without Shimao saying this Komura