[Frank's grip on him remains strong, something to hold onto even as Matt tries to sit up on his own. Frank won't coddle and insist on helping him up, knowing he needs to do some things on his own. Still, even Frank can tell that Matt's body is well beyond forcing through some actions. His spine and leg are injured, his senses dulled. He isn't the same man who walked into Midland Circle that day.

There's tension here between Matt and Maggie that Frank can't understand and doesn't know. Bits of Matt's past are still foreign to him, still unknown. All those thoughts are put on pause the moment he hears the word family. Frank's heart does a skip and he looks over to Matt with a clear gaze of surprise, even if he can't see or sense it. Maggie can, along with the softness that follows. Fingers squeeze Matt's gently and keep that grip steady.]

You can't keep him somewhere he doesn't want to be, even if you've been taking care of him. That... is still something to be grateful for. Thank you.

[Because despite his defensiveness, Frank is a polite man who is genuinely glad they saved Matt from a worse fate. He lowers his head against her stern expression.]

I can keep him safe.