Chapter 150: An Unexpected Encounter
Frank surveyed the room of Pinkman's younger brother. It was neat and orderly, with a football poster on the wall, musical instruments in the corner, and a computer where the boy was typing away. Most striking were the shelves lined with trophies and medals.
It was clear that Pinkman's brother was a straight-A student, a talented genius, worlds apart from his dropout, drug-dealing brother. It made sense why Pinkman felt neglected, believing his parents had given up on him in favor of his brother.
Given the stark contrast between the two siblings, it's easy to see why their parents focused their efforts on the younger one, who seemed destined for success.
"Hello, Professor Eric. What field is your Ph.D. in?" the brother asked politely, his curiosity piqued by Frank's supposed academic status.
"I teach astronomy," Frank replied with a smile, sharing intriguing anecdotes about the subject that made the boy's eyes light up.
These stories were gleaned from Frank's drinking sessions with Eric, where he listened to Eric's tales.
"Astronomy is fascinating. If you get an A on your next test, maybe you can ask your parents for a telescope," Frank suggested.
"Ugh," Pinkman scoffed, seeing how easily his family believed Frank's professor act. Frank might have fooled them, but Pinkman knew better; not long ago, they had dismembered bodies together.
After a brief tour, Frank headed downstairs, noting that the door to the brother's room remained open, with Pinkman's mother lingering nearby.
She was so transparent in her worry that even Frank, an outsider, could see it.
Pinkman's mother clearly feared that her well-behaved younger son might be led astray by his troubled older brother.
That evening, Pinkman's parents invited Frank to stay for dinner, treating him with warm hospitality.
"Well, I'll be off. Pinkman, you know where to find me if you need help," Frank said, noticing Pinkman had no intention of leaving with him.
Driving home alone, Frank noticed that Pinkman didn't return the next day, opting to stay at his parents' house.
It seemed that the trauma of the murder and dismemberment had deeply affected Pinkman, making him reluctant to return to the scene.
Living alone in the house where such gruesome events occurred didn't bother Frank. After all, he had faced demons before; ghosts were nothing to fear.
While monitoring Pinkman's situation, Frank received an unexpected call from the hospital regarding Walter, who had collapsed and was admitted. Walter had listed Frank as his emergency contact.
By the time Frank arrived at the hospital, Walter had regained consciousness.
"It's just the cancer," Walter explained as they left the hospital together, admitting it wasn't his first blackout.
After the incident, Walter didn't go straight home. Instead, he bought some drinks, and they sat in the parking lot, sharing a few beers.
"Thanks for looking after Junior," Walter said, taking a sip of beer.
"No problem, I really like the kid. He's like a son to me," Frank replied.
"So, when do you plan to tell your family? Junior's noticed something's off and is worried about you," Frank asked.
"I..." Walter hesitated.
"I think you should come clean sooner rather than later. Skyler's pregnancy is progressing, and stress is the last thing she needs. If you collapse at home, in front of her, it could be disastrous."
"If that happens, Skyler and Junior will accompany you to the hospital, and they'll hear about the cancer from the doctors. That could shock Skyler into early labor," Frank advised.
"Early labor," Walter paused, considering the implications.
"Skyler isn't young; she's at risk for complications as an older mother. Think it over carefully," Frank urged.
"I understand," Walter said, his resolve strengthening as he finished his beer.
"You've been drinking?" Skyler asked, immediately noticing the smell of alcohol when Walter returned home.
"Yeah, just a couple with Frank," Walter replied casually.
"Junior was looking for him. He said he had something to discuss, but I guess he was with you. Junior really likes Frank; he's been smiling a lot more lately," Skyler commented.
"Skyler," Walter interrupted.
"Hmm?" she responded, curious.
"I... I have something to tell you," Walter finally confessed about his cancer, using the courage from the alcohol to share his burden.
Two days later, Frank received a call from Walter, inviting him over for a visit. Skyler wanted to thank him.
When Frank arrived, he found not only Walter's family but also two guests, one of whom was unexpectedly familiar.
"Frank, this is Marie, Skyler's sister, and her husband Hank, a DEA agent," Walter introduced.
Indeed, Marie was the woman Frank had recently encountered—the one who had a penchant for shoplifting.
Frank was surprised by the coincidence: Marie was Skyler's sister, and she was wearing the dolphin necklace Frank had given her. It was indeed a small world.
Marie also seemed taken aback, not expecting to see Frank there.
"Hi, I'm Hank. Walter told me you encouraged him to open up about his cancer. Thank you," Hank said, shaking Frank's hand, oblivious to Marie's reaction.
Hank was a solidly built man, with a stocky physique and a noticeable beer belly. Despite his apparent bulk, he was quite sturdy, with a bald head resembling a monk's tonsure.
He had a tough appearance, fitting for a law enforcement officer tasked with intimidating criminals.
Marie and Hank were closely connected to Walter and Skyler, often spending time together as a family.
After Walter confided in Skyler about his cancer, he also informed Marie and Hank of his situation.
(End of Chapter)