It was supposed to be a quick, in and out recon mission, but things don't always turn out how we'd like them to. And my moment of freezing up cost my best friend his life. This is what happened that day...
"Watch where you step, everyone. This place is supposed to be loaded with hidden booby traps," I heard Ch caution us all just as my foot triggered one previously hidden booby trap and a spring loaded spear came rushing straight at me.
Look out, Da!" I hear my best friend yell out, but I was unable to move until I felt Ch roughly shove me out of its path.
As I landed on my side, I managed to glance back, only to see the spear go cleanly through his body. Rushing to my feet, I barely manage to catch him. As I gently lowered him to the ground, his gaze locked with mine.
"Ch, buddy, you saved me. Why?" I questioned him.
"Isn't that what best friends are supposed to do for each other?" he asked.
His gaze flicked towards where Gad stood and she approached us, only to kneel beside him. He took her hand and clasped it with mine.
"I-I don't have much time left, so I want the two of you to be together," he said weakly.
"Ch, no. You'll be alright," I assured him.
He shook his head.
"I can feel my life ebbing away, Da. Before I go, promise me that you and Gad will find some way to finally be happy together," he pleaded with me.
A brief shudder made its way through his body and I knew he was nearing the end.
"You can't leave me like this," I told him firmly.
He gave a slight laugh before wincing in pain.
"I-I'm s-so c-cold," I heard him gasp out before the light slowly faded from his eyes.
"He's gone, Da," I hear Mo say from behind me.
"No. He can't be gone," I state stubbornly before my gaze shifted to his motionless body, which still lay on the ground in front of me.
Gad, who still knelt across from me, reached out and gently slid Ch's eyes shut. Once she'd done that, Mo hoisted Ch's now limp body into his arms, turned and started walking away, followed by Gad. Z, who had started to follow them, paused before coming over to me, only to land on my shoulder. I shifted my gaze over to him.
"Go on, little guy. I'll catch up in a few minutes," I reassured him.
I watched as he hurried to catch up with Gad and Mo, who had stopped walking and they both turned towards me.
"Give him a few minutes alone, Gad. He'll join us when he's ready to," Mo said softly.
After giving me one last glance, Gad turned and followed Mo, with Z kneeling on her shoulder. Once I was absolutely sure I was alone, my grief overwhelmed me and I silently broke down.
'Why, Ch? Why give your life to save me?' I questioned.