"Did your daughter pass away?" asked Vivian tentatively. She did not think it was an unreasonable guess.
Rachel only wept harder and shook her head. In her distress, she kept mouthing the word "No."
Vivian did not understand what Rachel meant by "no," so she did what she could to coax the truth out of Rachel. "Mom, the doctors have diagnosed you with leukemia, and you are in dire need of a bone marrow donor. Can you please just tell me where I can find your biological daughter?"
Vivian had assumed that Rachel's daughter was no longer alive, based on her reaction alone. But what was Rachel refusing to tell her?
Rachel then looked at Vivian in shock. "Leukemia?
How? How is this possible?"
"A while ago, the hospital called me and said that you had been diagnosed with leukemia. They said I had to find a compatible bone marrow donor so that they can operate on you as soon as possible." Vivian sighed and took Rachel's hand in hers. "I figured that since I am your daughter, I could be your donor instead. But I never expected to find out..."
Vivian trailed off and choked back a sob. Suddenly, words failed her.
She struggled to hold back her tears before continuing. "The reason why I kept it from you was that I didn't want you to feel depressed. It would take a toll on your body. Your only hope now is to locate your biological daughter and ask her to be your donor. Can you tell me where to find her?"
Vivian did not expect Rachel to react that poorly after hearing her justification. Rachel shook her head and barely breathed out the words "I can't!"
However, Rachel's reluctance only worried Vivian further. "Mom, this is serious. Your child might be the only one who can save your life. Please tell me where she is? I'll go look for her."
"Vivian! You mustn't go looking for her!" In a panic, Rachel suddenly held Vivian's arm as tightly as she could.
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