“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:
“Mom, forgive me for lying. I didn’t want my wife to know that I was afraid she’d think I favor my family. Please use this for your surgery. I love you more than I can say. Your unworthy son, Ramón.”
Dolores’ knees gave way, and tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring the words. Every drop carried a mix of relief, love, and forgiveness. Her son’s silence, she realized, had never meant indifference—it was fear, hidden beneath the weight of pride and circumstance.
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