“What do you need, Nanay?” she asked curtly, gazing at the elderly woman’s worn clothes.
Dolores forced a gentle smile. “I came to visit… and I need to speak with Ramón, dear.”
The wife said nothing and disappeared inside. Moments later, Ramón appeared, still holding his phone, dressed neatly as if heading to a meeting.
“Mom, what brings you here? I’m really busy right now.”
Dolores nervously pulled out her medical report, her voice shaking.
“Son, the doctor says I need surgery soon. Could you lend me some money? When your brother sells the rice, I’ll pay you back.”
Ramón’s brow furrowed. He sighed, gazing toward his wife.
“Mom, things are tight at the business right now. I don’t have any cash. Go home for now and I’ll think of something.”
Her eyes filled with tears, but she tried to stay calm.
“I just need a little, enough for the hospital. Please, son.”
After a pause, Ramón looked away and said softly,
“Alright, Mom. Here – take this packet of noodles for now. I’ll send you some money in a few days.”
He opened the car trunk, pulled out a pack of instant noodles, and placed it in her hands before gently ushering her out.
“Go home quickly, Mom. It’s about to rain.”
Dolores lowered her head, clutching the packet against her chest as the heavy gate closed behind her. The rain started to fall, mixing with the tears she tried to conceal.
The Secret Inside
On the long walk home, Dolores didn’t curse her son. Instead, she told herself he must truly be struggling. “He’s busy… at least he gave me something to eat,” she muttered, convincing herself it was his way of caring.
When she reached her small wooden house, she placed the noodles on the table. Hungry and exhausted, she decided to cook them. But as she opened the package, she froze – her hands trembling. Inside, beneath the noodles, was a sealed white envelope.
Her heart pounded as she tore it open. Inside were 50,000 pesos in crisp bills and a folded note written in haste:
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