As she looked at the notes that were being handed to her, Atsuko found herself captured in silence and she spent it as though in thought. There really wasn't much to think about, though. The doctor was not used to this form of charity and was tempted to refuse the offer. A woman of her disposition simply was not offered with kindness in that manner.
But she was well aware of her circumstances, and knew that to refuse could be possibly foolish and damaging for her part. The bills looked different when she noticed them, and that was the moment she understood how her credit card might be refused.
Shutting out all other opinions in her mind, she accepted the money and to Marisa, she smiled. "Thank you," she said.