A Heavy Heart 18/20
Chapter Eighteen:
Don sits in the chair beside Charlie's bed in the ICU with his head in his hands. It's nearly 5AM and he can't remember the last time he went this long without sleep. There's no rest for him though. Not while Charlie's still in critical condition.
His brother died tonight.
Charlie might have been dead for only a minute but he was dead.
He still could die.
Don ran out of prayers hours ago. The ones he had memorized started getting jumbled up in his sleep deprived brain so he eventually resorted to one final heartfelt plea and stopped there.
His father hasn't stopped though. He's in the hospital chapel offering up his own prayers.
The doctors aren't sure if Charlie will make it through the night, so Don keeps checking the window as if the arrival of dawn means that the danger has passed.
Charlie stirs unexpectedly, startling Don. He can tell Charlie's trying to speak even though he's not quite awake. Even though he makes no sound, Don can tell what word he's trying to say repeatedly.
Mom.
Charlie settles down for a while however Don only has to wait a few more minutes before he stirs yet again.
"Hey buddy, can you hear me? Come back to me. You can do it."
Charlie's eyes open, just barely, and he manages to turn his head slightly towards Don.
Don grasps Charlie's hand tightly. "That's it. I'm right here."
Charlie doesn't respond at first, struggling to stay conscious.
Seeing Charlie this weak is painful to Don but he puts on a good face for his brother to encourage him.
"You can wake up now, Charlie. Everything's going to be fine."
Don looks into Charlie's eyes and feels a chill at how lifeless they are, like the spark that was always at the core of Charlie's personality is now extinguished.
Charlie struggles to speak, only getting the words out with great effort.
"Saw Mom."
Don swallows hard. He should have seen this coming, after all Charlie did die last night.
"Miss her so much..." Charlie whispers, his voice trembling.
"I know, buddy, I know. But it's not your time to be with her. I know that hurts and that you want to see her again."
Charlie nods, tears welling up in his eyes. Don knows how hard it was for Charlie to lose the one person who truly understood him but it never occurred to him until now just how far Charlie might go to be reunited with her. It would be easy for him at this point. All he has to do is relax and let go.
"Charlie, listen to me. You have to stay with us. You know that's what she'd want, right? Mom would want you to live a long life, do great things, help people..."
The tears welling up in Charlie's eyes finally slip loose and run down his cheeks. Don brushes them away and lays his palm softly against his brother's cheek. Charlie turns his face towards Don's hand, seeking its warmth and solace.
"Charlie, Dad and I love you. Please don't leave us."
Don's tears mirror his brother's.
"Charlie, I can't lose you," Don begs. "Please, please stay."
Charlie's eyes begin to close again despite his efforts to stay awake.
"Don't... worry... Donnie..." Charlie struggles for each syllable but manages to get them all out. "Promised Mom..."
"Promised her what, Charlie?" asked Don, afraid what the answer might be.
"Wouldn't leave... my brother."
Charlie offers Don the tiniest of smiles before succumbing to unconsciousness again.
It's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.