A Drowning Lesson
I looked at my father with all knowledge that the damage was beyond repair. You could beat a man half to death and he could probably survive; if he got the right treatment afterwards and quickly enough. But if you were trapped down here, close enough to death without being injured, no first aid supplies, no definite chance of getting out, nothing to stop the blood, and nothing to fix the bone…
And he and I both knew that was exactly where we were.
It might have only been one puncture, but the stalagmite had snapped off and was stuck in his back. His back was broken; he could not walk or swim. If I removed it, he would only bleed out faster.
And he and I both knew this.
"Josh…son…" He looked up at me. "Take me into the water."
"Dad…"
But we both knew. As hard as it was, this was the best option. The only alternative was leaving him to die in his own time and I wasn't about to let that happen; I wasn't going to just let my father suffer.
"You know what you have to do."
I nodded stiffly, bitting down hard on my lip, trying to fight off the tears. But it was pointless.
I dragged my father's crippled body into the dark water. In the light of the glow stick, I knelt down with him in my arms, keeping his head above the water. I looked down into those eyes; those strong, smart eyes. Why had I ignored them for this long? Why had I only started looking up to him so recently? I was a terrible son to this man.
"I love you, Josh. You know that."
I nodded stiffly and I gasped for air as I tried to withhold the sobs and steady the shaking of my chest. "I love you too, Dad."
It happened quickly, but seemed to drag out. I let his head slip under the water and as he struggled so helplessly, I held him down. I felt cruel and cold, but I knew this was the best way. He'd die regardless. This would just make it happen faster. His body bucked and thrashed – it's strange how strong one can be when so close to death – but I kept holding him down.
After what felt like eternity, yet all too soon, he was gone. My father's body was still, and silent, and cold.
I was disgusted with myself. Did this make me a murderer? What if I could have saved him?
It didn't matter now. It was too late. It was done.
I squeezed his hand tightly in mine before I let him go.
All I could do was move on.
I know the dialogue isn't accurate but you can all get over it, I only saw the movie once. I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately, to all the people who look into my stuff, and to those who I usually review, I really am sorry. Life's been a giant ball of stress and I haven't had much time to read and write. I'm spending a lot of time on deviantART (same penname) because it doesn't require as much concentration or commitment. And to be honest I'm starting to grow out of FF.N (sadness!). Anyway, please review guys, and I'll try and catch up on your stuff soon (DOCTOR ANTHONY, THAT'S MAINLY YOU! DUDE, I AM FREAKIN' SORRY!)