On the way, Catherine figured Renata should be awake by now, so she called her. Ever since Renata had been left alone at home, Catherine worried constantly—whenever she wasn't there in person, she called several times a day, afraid that Renata might suddenly faint or something else might go wrong.
Although the tumor in Renata's brain had been successfully removed and her recovery was progressing steadily, her age meant that her health could still take a sudden turn at any time. That was why Catherine called so often. Even when there was nothing in particular to say, she would still make the call—just hearing Renata's voice and confirming that she was safe was enough.
Sure enough, Renata had just gotten out of bed. She had noticed the breakfast she'd prepared earlier and was about to eat.
Catherine told her that she had already helped a colleague buy the ingredients and would be heading straight to the welcome banquet venue instead of going home. Then she reminded her again,
