Kari was blissfully unaware, going about her days without noticing the cloud hanging over Wi.


    In the weeks that followed, Wi turned into a culinary whiz, filling the fridge to the brim with homemade meatballs and ravioli. She even went on a spree, buying loads of pork to make sausages and cured meats, wafting delicious aromas through the entire apartment building. While Kari was happily digging into a te of beef stew, pondering what delights to feast on next, Ronald remained silent, a shadow of concern draped over him.


    Wi, on the other hand, was losing her appetite, her frame growing thinner with each passing day. Despite Ronald''s attempts to uncover the truth, he found nothing.


    On the eve of their big college entrance exam, the school organized a health checkup.


    Knowing they would draw blood, Wi prepared a sandwich for Ronald, advising him to eat it afterward to stave off any dizziness.


    Uponpleting his checkup at the hospital and descending the stairs with friends, Ronald overheard a group of doctors discussing something that made his heart skip a beat.


    "That Wi, did you hear? Kidney failure, and so young too—"


    "She''s got a son and a daughter, both in high school, I heard."


    "Such a tragedy for someone her age."This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Ronald felt a chill run down his spine.


    He quickly approached one of the doctors, "Excuse me, you were just talking about Wi. Could you tell me more about her condition?"


    The doctor, adjusting his sses, asked, "You know her?"


    Ronald, with a sinking feeling, requested, "Can we talk in private?"


    Nodding, the doctor led Ronald to his office.


    After confirming it was indeed Wi, Ronald pressed for details about her condition, but the doctor hesitated.


    "Young man, we can''t disclose a patient''s condition without proper consent."


    "She''s my mother."


    Ronald had always seen her as his own mother. "I really need to know what''s going on."


    Realizing Ronald was Wi''s son, the doctor sighed.


    "Wi is sick. It was discovered duringst month''s checkup. Mid-stage kidney failure."


    No wonder she asked for time off, no wonder she was getting thinner, and no wonder she made all that food she feared leaving her


    children without someone to care for them.  en NovelDrama.Org


    Walking home from the hospital, Ronald was in a daze.


    Arriving home, he found Wi preparing dinner.


    "Ronald, you''re back."


    Seeing her trying to act normal despite her difort, Ronald felt a lump in his throat: "I know everything."


    "What do you know?" Wi was taken aback. "Did you know I made Cajun crab for dinner?"


    Dropping his backpack, Ronald went


    to his room and returned with a debit card: "This is from my schrships over the years, minus tuition and some minor expenses. Please, take it and go to the hospital."


    Pov


    Wi realized her secret was out. Her expression changed drastically, then she said, "What are you talking about? I''m fine. Why would I need to go to the hospital?"


    Ronald pressed his lips together: "I know everything. I went to the hospital today... the same one you''ve been visiting."


    Seeing she couldn''t hide it any longer, Wi responded.


    "Ronald, I can''t take your money. My condition... it''s bad, and I don''t want treatment. I''ve made my peace." "But-"


    "Mom, is the Cajun crab ready?" Kari''s voice drifted in.


    Wi quickly stuffed Ronald''s debit card back into his pocket, whispering, "Don''t let Kari find out."


    Ronald remained silent, a storm of emotions brewing within.


    "What shouldn''t I know?"