Tears roll down Cal's face. Hands shaking beyond control. He must be brave, yet he cannot. He is too weak. All that he has to do is flick a switch, then it will all be over. The ventilator would switch off, then he would detach it from ethan allowing him to breath naturally until ...he… would… die. No, he couldn't kill his brother, should he? Broken, Cal collapsed by Ethan's side sobbing until his eyes became dry.
'Take my hand Ethan' Cal says as he slightly composes himself. 'I know you're in there, please, please take it!'
Cal took hold of Ethan's hand.
Another wave of tears came.
Cal didn't notice that Connie had came into the room and began to do the usual routine check up on Ethan. She saw Cal, distraught, on his knees beside Ethan. She was about to leave the boys in peace, but
'Cal' Connie softly said
Cal looked up, eyes red and sad
'Take his hand, he needs you' Connie says before she walks out of the room
Slightly confused, Cal stares at his clasped hand, but, how did he not feel it. Cal slowly let go of his grasp but Ethan kept his.
'Ethan?'
There was no response, Ethan was just as he was, motionless, lifeless, still.
Cal removed his hand, everything was still, everything was quiet
Ethan's hand fell motionless.
'Ethan please' Cal begged
Cal took Ethan's hand again, and this time felt a slow, weak grasp took hold.
'I'm sorry' Cal cried, 'I didn't mean it, I could never do it. You're my little brother. I love you!'
Right then Cal knew that Ethan was going to live, his time had not yet come. No matter what, he would be there for him.
He would be there for him
His little brother was waking up...