>>5985090You wake. You turn to look at Skyler. She's sound asleep. You smile as you look at your wife's beautiful face. Quietly, you slip out from under the covers, sliding into your slippers as you get up out of bed. Your mind is heavy with the day's impending results. You quickly brush your teeth; the sound of running water causes Skyler to stir a little, but she doesn't wake up. You shuffle out into the hallway. You pass the three caricatures of you and your family as you look at Walter Jr.'s bedroom door. You sigh. You make your way into the kitchen and decide to cook breakfast for everyone, hoping that it would offer a brief respite from the weight of uncertainty that hangs over you.
Eventually, the clang of the pan against the metal of the gas burner and the chops of the knife into the crisp vegetables rouse Skyler out of her rest. The inviting scent of the omelettes and bacon wake Junior up. Both walk into the dining room, groggy. They smile at each other, but when they turn to you, the smile turns sad. Walter Jr. gives you a pursed smile as he takes his seat. Skyler kisses your cheek and looks at the pan full of bacon that you plate next to the omelettes. She carries a few of the plates to the table while you plate up some toast and grab the butter from the fridge. Junior collects some silverware, and Skyler helps him get the grapefruit juice out of the fridge. Together, you gather around the table in a rather somber silence, each lost in your own thoughts.
With each passing minute, the anticipation of the hospital visit halts the mundane chatter that would normally takes place at family breakfasts. The sound of utensils against plates along with the slow march of the ticking clocks in the room are the only sounds you can hear. You look outside. It's a beautiful day.
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In the hospital waiting room, you and your family sit with palpable tension. Your hands clasp tightly together, your knuckles turning white as you try to steady your racing thoughts. Skyler sits beside you, her gaze fixed on the floor as she chews nervously on her lip. You exchange nervous yet reassuring glances with Skyler, and you notice Junior fidgeting restlessly in his seat. Poor boy. The minutes tick by, and each passing moment only serves to amplify the dread that hangs over you like a dark cloud. The sterile hospital scent gets to you, and you feel as if you'll go mad.
You cough, and you keep coughing. Skyler places a hand on your back as you attempt to halt your hacking and rasping. You eventually do, but not before you attract the gazes of everyone in the waiting room. You try to ignore them and stare out the window instead. Outside, the sun casts long shadows across the facility staff parking lot. You squint up towards the sun as a cloud hides it from view. It's not so bright anymore.
"White, Walter?" You look up. It's that nurse again, Monica. You stand, and both Skyler and Walt Jr. follow suit. "Dr. Belknap is ready to see you. Follow me, please."
