You are not weak when you ask for help!
Fran is touched by his words, but it's far from beeing that simple.
"Maxwell, you don't know what you're talking about. This thing in my head is too big to be operated on. Right now I'm on strong medication to relieve the symptoms. Soon they want to start the first chemo circle and radiation therapy. This can take months, with a little luck the tumor will get smaller. But I will never be myself again. The list of side effects is endless. In the worst case, I'll be blind or deaf or paralyzed. My hair will fall out and I'll look terrible."
"I don't care Fran, okay you're right. This all sounds pretty bad and to be honest I'm scared. But I can't leave you here all alone. I would never forgive myself"
"But you have to Max! For your sake and the kids! Do you remember our conversation on the stairs after Paris? You said you couldn't take the pain of losing someone again and you couldn't put the kids through another loss. But that's exactly what might happen if you stay. You and the kids need to forget me and get on with your lives." Maxwell takes her hands in his,
"Now you listen to me carefully, Francine Joy Fine! I know you are a strong person and a fighter. But part of being strong is also to admit when a situation is too difficult for one alone. It is not a sign of weakness if you now get all the support and help you can get. Now is the time you need to allow me and all of us to be there for you. You are right, it will certainly be difficult and not easy for all of us, but you would also go this way for each of us. Have faith in your fellows and love ones Fran. Besides, the kids and I could never forget you. You mean too much to all of us. If you only knew how much the kids miss you. And I can hardly work or think of anything but you! As hard as it would be for the kids to know the truth, I'm sure they would rather accept this than the idea of you abandoning them for some new guy. And I could never return to New York and go back to my daily life knowing you're lying here all alone, suffering this agony. I can be as much stubborn as you and I'm staying here!"
Fran's tears run more and more down her face. It seems he broke her resistance with his words. She doesn't want to be alone. She needs him. Crying heavily, she throws herself into his arms. For the first time since she's sick, she has a shoulder to lean on. He holds her tightly. He is glad he got through to her.
Later, at night Fran has regained her composure. They lie together on her hospital bed, snuggled close to each other. Fran asked him to stay with her overnight, to which he immediately agreed. They watch a comedy show on TV and feed each other with chocolates. They both know the road ahead is hard and arduous. But for this moment they simply enjoy to be together.