The Gradually Collapsing World

Autmon was a poet who earned manuscript fees by writing poems and the like every day to support his family. His wife, Mili, was a full-time housewife, and there was also an unborn little life in Mili's belly.

The family lived a simple, happy life. Of course, there were some small problems in their daily lives. For instance, Mili had always thought Autmon was far too generous. He never fussed over gains and losses, and he was not good at refusing other people's requests, even when those requests were excessive.

For example, today, a stranger knocked on their door. The ragged man looked around thirty and wore a pleasant smile as he said to Autmon, who had answered the door, "Mr. Autmon? I'm one of your readers. I really like your work."

"I was robbed nearby and left penniless. Then I remembered you lived close by, so I came to find you, terribly sorry to trouble you!" The man sat at the table Mili had just wiped clean, eating their lunch as he recounted his experience. He even discussed Autmon's work with him.

This made Autmon very happy. After all, the other man was one of his loyal readers, and helping someone felt pretty good. Seeing how happy her husband was, Mili said nothing more.

The man then asked to borrow some money so he could return home. Autmon laughed heartily and said, "No problem. But you don't look too well. Why not stay at my house for a couple of days before you leave?"

"Really?" Autmon asked in delighted confirmation, as though he had not noticed Mili's ugly expression beside him.

And so, the man moved into Autmon's home. He often wore that pleasant smile as he made requests of Autmon and Mili, starting with things like asking them