Journey: Into The Never-ending Way

Why does one travel from a well known neighborhood to another where the outcome of the visit is not yet understood? I could name the streets and places in my neighborhood. There was a well defined map in my head that used comfortable explanations for what to expect.
Then, everything changed. I drove up the hill, parked the car in a familiar place. When I walked into the house all the furniture was the same. Yet, when I sat beside him everything I knew went away. My mind was empty, only able to engage in superficial talk.
I was afraid of his cancer. I didn't know what to say or how to help. I was lost in the whole sorry business. I gave him what comfort my presence was good for and, he gracefully accepted it like a brother would.
Behind the warmest smile I could draw up was a deserted beach, waves of questions washing against my feet. A great ocean met the horizon and disappeared somewhere beyond where eyes could take a mind.
Where would the questions take me? Where do you start such a quest?