Chapter 177: Catharsis
"Skyler, you really went too far this time," Frank said.
"I went too far!?" Skyler snapped back.
"If it weren't for Walter's treatment, do you think I would've dragged my pregnant self to that party? Do you know how tight that dress was? I had to beg Elliott for help—swallowing my pride. And who was I doing all this for? Wasn't it all for him?"
Frank's words seemed to unleash everything Skyler had been bottling up.
To find treatment for Walter's illness, Skyler had been running around, making phone calls, trying to pull strings—all while heavily pregnant. Her pregnancy hormones were already throwing her body and emotions out of balance.
But she suppressed it all, for fear of upsetting Walter and worsening his condition.
And now that a possible treatment had finally appeared, Walter refused it—because of money.
Skyler had always managed the family's finances. She handled the bills, taxes—everything. After all, she had studied accounting and worked as an accountant before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
So she understood their financial situation much better than Walter did.
And for Walter's sake, she was willing to do anything—even sell the house or take out loans. But Walter just refused to get treated.
And you couldn't exactly force someone into treatment at gunpoint.
Out of options, Skyler had turned to Elliott for help.
She'd already sacrificed so much for Walter, yet he didn't understand—worse, he got angry at her! He'd been cold with her for days, giving her the silent treatment.
If it weren't for his cancer, she would've smashed a plate in his face and screamed at him by now.
"Is pride really that important?" Skyler cried out. "I've already done so much! Why can't Walter just let go of his ego and accept help from Elliott? It's not like it's going to kill him!"
Skyler had been under incredible emotional strain, and Walter's continued coldness was the last straw.
But she had nowhere to vent it. Walter had cancer and couldn't be upset. Walter Jr. was still a child—she couldn't talk to him about it. Her sister Marie and brother-in-law Hank had their own lives, and they had offered to lend money—any amount, no questions asked, even saying they didn't need to be repaid.
Skyler didn't want to burden them. Money had torn apart too many families—siblings turning against each other over it. She didn't want that.
But with Frank, an outsider, and his calm encouragement, Skyler could finally let it all out. She poured out her frustrations and pain.
And then, she broke down crying—so suddenly and intensely that Frank was caught completely off guard.
Just then, Walter Jr. came home from school. The moment he walked through the door, he heard the sobbing. In the living room, he saw Frank holding Skyler as she cried.
Frank gestured to Walter Jr. to stay quiet and go to his room.
But Skyler had already heard her son come in. The sound pulled her back. She quickly pulled away from Frank, turned her back, and wiped her tears with a tissue.
"I'm going to the bathroom," she said hastily, and hurried off.
"Your mom's been under a lot of pressure lately," Frank said to Walter Jr., glancing at his tear-drenched shirt. "Try to be there for her when you can."
A few minutes later, Skyler returned. She had freshened up, and aside from slightly red eyes, she looked composed. She gave Frank a sheepish smile.
"Sorry about earlier. That must've been awkward."
She had come to Frank for help, and didn't expect to break down like that. But after venting, she was clearly calmer.
"A few days ago, I actually talked to Walter over some drinks," Frank said. "It wouldn't help for me to push him more—but maybe Hank and Marie could. And Walter Jr., too. The whole family should sit down and talk. Be honest with each other."
"Say what's in your hearts. Don't bottle it up anymore."
"Like a family meeting," Walter Jr. suggested.
"Exactly—a family meeting. I really think it'll help," Frank nodded.
Skyler nodded thoughtfully, clearly considering the idea.
"Then you should come too," she said.
"I'd better not," Frank shook his head. "I'm still an outsider. Some things need to stay within the family."
After a little more small talk, Frank glanced at the time and stood up. "Alright, I should be going. Got something else to take care of."
"I'll walk you out," Skyler offered.
"No need," Frank said quickly. "You're only weeks away from giving birth. Let Walter Jr. walk me out."
Under Frank's insistence, Skyler stayed. Walter Jr. walked him to the door.
"If you really do have a family meeting, make sure you speak up," Frank told Walter Jr. seriously. "Say everything you feel. Your dad cares about you the most. Other people's words—even your mom's—might not get through to him. But yours will."
"I understand, Uncle Frank," Walter Jr. nodded.
"By the way, are you still talking to Daisy?" Frank asked, suddenly shifting the topic to something lighter.
"Cough, cough—" Walter Jr. turned red, coughing awkwardly.
"Hahaha, if you like her, go for it!" Frank laughed. "It's totally normal for a boy to like a girl. No need to be shy. When I was your age—me and your dad had gone through so many girlfriends."
"Sure, Daisy's a few years older, but come on, with that body? You're definitely punching up," Frank grinned.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing. But seriously—you're growing up now. This family's going to depend on you one day." He patted Walter Jr. on the shoulder and turned to leave.
Frank drove off to meet with Gretchen.
Meanwhile, Skyler hesitated for a moment, then picked up the phone and called Marie and Hank.
Later that evening, when Walter returned home and opened the door, he was stunned to see the entire family sitting neatly on the couch, all turning their heads to look at him the moment he stepped in.
"Sit down," Skyler said seriously. "We need to talk, Walter. We really need to understand what you're thinking."
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