A seventy-year-old mother went to her son’s house, hoping to borrow money for her heart surgery. But instead of providing help, he handed her a packet of instant noodles and politely sent her away. When she opened it later that evening, what she found left her trembling in disbelief…
It was a rainy afternoon in the outskirts of Quezon province. Dolores, her back slightly bent and a cane in hand, trudged along a muddy gravel road. Hanging from her shoulder was a faded cloth bag carrying a few medical papers and some loose pesos barely enough to buy bread and salt.
At seventy, her legs no longer obeyed her as they used to. But that day, she collected every ounce of strength to visit her son, Ramón – the boy she had raised with a mother’s endless sacrifice and love.
The doctor had told her she needed urgent heart surgery that would cost tens of thousands of pesos—an impossible sum for a poor widow. With nowhere else to turn, she decided to find help from her only son. Ramón was now a successful businessman in Quezon City, running a building materials shop and living in a large house with an expensive car parked in front. Dolores believed that no matter how busy life had made him, her son would never abandon his mother in need.
The Visit
When she arrived, she stopped at the tall iron gates and pressed the bell. “Ting-ting.”
After a moment, the gate opened, revealing Ramón’s wife – a young woman with sharp eyes and an air of impatience.
“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
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