Kari 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 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, Willa prepared a sandwich for Ronald, advising him to eat it afterward to stave off any dizziness.
Upon completing 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 Willa, 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."
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 tell me more 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."
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