It was better than trying to drag Russell to bed - even if it'd have been a better solution, overall.

Walter's not thinking of the future right now, though, to put it lightly.

In fact, as he swallows the cake on reflex, he's not focusing on the present at all. The past is simply far too overwhelming...

Russell's first sign that time has not indeed stopped is that most of the rest of the cake drops back, sadly yet miraculously, to the plate.

Apart from a small strangled noise from Walter, there is no sound. His pupils are pinpricks.