Chapter 87: Walter's Business Idea
After Frank declined Walter's proposal to "start a business" together, they chatted about personal matters, and Frank learned more about Walter's life.
Walter was now a chemistry teacher at a public high school in New Mexico and had a child with mild cerebral palsy who faced mobility challenges.
Frank remembered Walter's past as someone who had been quite successful, joining a research institute post-graduation and even participating in a Nobel Prize collaboration.
Walter had also started a company with a close friend, similar to Joseph's, which became a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
This success was why the old "Frank" had turned to Walter for financial help, hoping to benefit from Walter's success.
However, life can be unpredictable, and Walter, once a celebrated figure, ended up living an ordinary life.
Hearing about Walter's current job, Frank knew things weren't going well for him.
Though being a teacher sounds respectable, it's widely known that teachers don't earn much unless they also run tutoring classes.
Moreover, Walter was teaching at a public school, where salaries are modest and benefits far less generous than those in private institutions.
Knowing Walter's past made Frank feel a bit melancholy about his current situation.
Frank was also curious about why Walter contacted him about starting a "business" together.
Walter, like Frank, was in his fifties and close to retirement. Despite the low pay, public school teachers received decent retirement benefits.
Walter could have a comfortable retirement without risking everything in a business venture.
If things went wrong, Walter's reputation would be ruined, nullifying all his past achievements.
Frank couldn't understand why Walter would take such a risk.
Walter didn't explain in the email and changed the subject when asked.
Since Walter seemed unwilling to discuss it, Frank didn't push further.
Walter, it seemed, hadn't had someone to talk to in a long time, and he and Frank talked about many things.
Though they hadn't seen each other in years and had once fought, they shared the bond of former dorm mates.
Anyone who's lived in a dorm understands such connections, which don't fade with time but mature like wine.
Most lifelong friends are made during those dorm years.
Frank and Walter had such a friendship. Though initially awkward, they soon warmed up, mostly discussing their children, as both were now parents.
They talked until nightfall, when the kids returned home, and ended their conversation.
"What happened? You seem happy," Fiona asked, noticing Frank's mood.
"Oh, nothing, just caught up with an old friend," Frank replied casually.
"Tomorrow afternoon, I'm planning to visit Aunt Ginger at the nursing home with V," Debbie announced during dinner.
Debbie adored Granny Ginger and frequently visited her at the nursing home.
Though Granny Ginger was often confused, she remembered Debbie more than her own children due to Debbie's frequent visits.
"Are you planning to skip class?" Frank frowned.
"Tomorrow's Friday; we don't have classes in the afternoon," Debbie explained.
"Friday already?" Frank realized how quickly time had passed.
"Wait!" Frank suddenly remembered something, looking thoughtful.
The next day, Frank left home early and went to Sheila's house.
"I'm off to school, Mom. If anyone calls, don't agree to anything they say," Karen instructed Sheila before leaving.
Since Sheila became an internet sensation, many sought to exploit her popularity. Karen feared Sheila might be talked into something she shouldn't agree to while Karen was at school.
Karen could have skipped school, only attending exams to graduate, focusing instead on managing Sheila's online presence and her own account.
Karen had studied livestreaming and social media platforms extensively, and if not for her age, she could have taken the agent's exam to become a professional manager.
She could pass the agent's exam with her eyes closed now.
However, Karen had promised Frank she'd go to college after high school, so she continued attending school, planning to major in media studies.
After repeatedly advising Sheila, Karen left for school.
"Hmm?" Karen noticed a pink car parked by the road, a rare color, but didn't think much of it and continued walking.
'Beep-beep!' The pink car followed Karen, honking a few times.
"Frank!" Karen exclaimed, seeing Frank's face as the window rolled down.
"Hop in," Frank said, opening the door.
"When did you get a car?" Karen asked excitedly, jumping in.
"I just bought it recently. Happy birthday," Frank said, handing Karen the keys.
"This car... is for me?!" Karen exclaimed, unable to believe her luck.
"Of course. Didn't I promise to get you a car?" Frank said.
"Thank you, Dad!" Karen hugged Frank tightly, overwhelmed with joy.
"Hey, I'm driving. Don't move around too much," Frank cautioned. "Even though the car's yours, you need to get your driver's license first."