Chapter 151: Comfort
Walter came clean to his family about everything concerning his cancer—including the fact that he had been hiding it. It was only after Frank's persuasion that he finally decided to tell them the truth.
Everyone was grateful to Frank and invited him over specifically to thank him.
"I still can't believe Walter has had cancer for so long and none of us noticed. And there we were, out picnicking like nothing was wrong," Marie said with guilt, holding Skyler's hand tightly.
"The past 48 hours have been unbearable. Walter even wanted me to help him keep it a secret—he didn't want you all to worry," Skyler said tearfully.
"We're family. You should've told us the moment you found out," Hank said, his tone serious.
"This is all my fault. Walter had been coughing constantly, and the medicine didn't help. But I didn't pay attention. If it weren't for Frank, I don't know how much longer he would've kept this hidden. Frank, thank you, truly." Skyler turned to Frank, eyes brimming with tears.
"It's the weekend right now, and I haven't been able to reach his doctor," she added, visibly overwhelmed.
"This isn't your fault," Marie consoled her sister, though her gaze drifted instinctively toward Frank.
"But why didn't you want to tell us, Walter? Why keep it a secret?" Hank asked, still confused.
"Walter, can't you see? Everyone wants to help you. We're a family. We'll face this together," Skyler said, gripping Walter's hand tightly. Her eyes swept across the room and paused on Frank for an extra moment.
Even though Skyler hadn't known Frank for long—not like the other friends who'd been around for over a decade—he had already become a part of their lives. He visited often, helped around the house, and took care of Junior. The child was constantly calling out "Uncle Frank," clearly fond of him.
And now, with Walter's cancer diagnosis, it was Frank whom he had confided in. It was Frank who convinced him to tell the truth. In Skyler's heart, Frank had become more than a friend—he was family, just like Hank and Marie.
"I still can't believe it's lung cancer. You don't even smoke," Hank said, bewildered.
Most lung cancer cases occur in smokers. Walter occasionally drank, but he never touched cigarettes. Of all the types of cancer, lung cancer seemed the least likely.
"I think it might be related to that research lab twenty years ago. Walter was constantly exposed to chemicals there," Skyler offered.
"We had solid safety protocols," Walter said, unable to stop himself. Deep down, he was already regretting telling the family.
"That's not true. I remember you complaining about not getting the right kind of respirator or whatever mask it was. You had constant headaches. That must've been when it all started," Skyler said, clearly upset.
"The research lab? You mean the one you founded with Gretchen and Elliott?" Frank asked, looking at Walter.
Walter nodded, gently stroking Skyler's back to calm her down.
"Then it really might have something to do with them. They may bear some responsibility," Frank said—though the words were meant for Skyler, not Walter.
"Frank, that's not—" Walter tried to explain but Frank silenced him with a glance.
"We should hire a lawyer!" Skyler said emotionally.
"First, let's focus on treatment. We'll call a doctor tomorrow. And if the current one is incompetent, we'll find another," Frank said firmly.
"Yes, treatment comes first," Skyler agreed, wiping her tears.
Frank knew how to deal with emotionally overwhelmed women. There was no need to reason or explain too much. Just validate their emotions, let them vent, and gently shift the topic when the moment was right.
"We'll have a proper talk with the radiology specialist, and then we'll find the best oncologist we can," Marie added.
With everyone's comfort and encouragement, Skyler slowly began to calm down.
"I'm going to check on Junior," Frank said.
The news of Walter's cancer had deeply affected the boy as well. While the adults spoke outside, he had remained alone in his room.
Knock knock knock. Frank knocked, but got no response.
The door wasn't locked. As he pushed it open, he saw Junior sitting on his bed, back facing the door, headphones on, blaring loud music. Despite being two meters away, Frank could clearly hear the deafening sound.
"Hey, kid," Frank approached quietly and saw the boy wiping his tears—his own way of processing the pain.
"Uncle Frank..." the boy removed his headphones and looked up, eyes overflowing with tears.
He tried to hold back his emotions, but seeing Frank broke his defenses. He threw himself into Frank's arms and cried his heart out.
"It's okay. Uncle Frank is here. Your dad will be okay—everyone's going to help him," Frank said gently, holding the boy close.
Frank looked up and saw Marie helping Skyler stand in the doorway. He raised a finger to his lips, signaling for quiet.
Hearing her son's cries, Skyler's eyes welled up again. She covered her mouth and turned away, unable to bear it. Marie gave Frank a long look, then helped Skyler down the hallway.
Exhausted from the emotional outburst, Junior soon drifted off to sleep. Frank tucked him in carefully and quietly left the room.
"How's Skyler doing?" Frank asked as he stepped into the hallway and saw Marie coming out of the bedroom.
"She's lying down now. This whole thing hit her hard," Marie said.
"I didn't expect to run into you here," she added, instinctively tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Same here. Small world, huh? I never imagined you'd be Walter's sister-in-law," Frank replied.
The two stood in silence for a moment, just staring at each other.
Then, without a word, Marie turned and walked into the bathroom. Just before entering, she glanced back at Frank—but left the door slightly ajar.
Frank understood immediately. He followed her inside. As soon as the door clicked shut, Marie threw herself at him like a violet flame, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Click. One of Frank's hands held Marie by the waist, while the other reached behind him and locked the bathroom door.