NovelEnglishKari was blissfully unaware, going about her days without noticing the cloud hanging over Willa.
In the weeks that followed, Willa 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 plate of beef stew, pondering what delights to feast on next, Ronald remained silent, a
shadow of concern draped over him.
Willa, on the other hand, was losing her appetite, her frgrowing 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 schoolanized a health checkup.
Knowing they would draw blood, Willa 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.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"That Willa, did you hear? Kidney failure, and so young too—"
"She's got a son and a daughter, both in high school, | heard."
"Such a tragedy for someone her age."
Ronald felt a chill run down his spine.
He quickly approached one of the doctors, "Excuse me, you were just talking about Willa. Could you tellmore about her
condition?"
The doctor, adjusting his glasses, 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 Willa, 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 Willa's son, the doctor sighed.
"Willa is sick. It was discovered during last month's checkup. Mid-stage kidney failure."
Walking hfrom the hospital, Ronald was in a daze.
Arriving home, he found Willa preparing dinner.
"Ronald, you're back."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Seeing her trying to act normal despite her difort, Ronald felt a lump in his throat: "I know everything."
"What do you know?" Willa was taken aback. "Did you know | made Cajun crab for dinner?"
Ronald pressed his lips together: "I know everything. | went to the hospital today... the sone you've been visiting."
Seeing she couldn't hide it any longer, Willa responded.
"Ronald, | can't take your money. My condition... it's bad, and | don't want treatment. I've made my peace."
"But—"
"Mom, is the Cajun crab ready?" Kari's voice drifted in.
Willa 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 | know?"
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
