"What's happening?" David pressed.
"Don lost his pulse 20 minutes ago, the doctors are breathing for him long enough so we can say goodbye," I said, after glancing at Dad who clearly was in no state to do so.
"Two at a time" Dr. Michaels said gently from the door.
"Terry, David, why don't you two go first" Dad said slumping into his seat his head in his hands.
"Alright" The two walked into the room with Dr. Kovach.
We all waited, then 10 minutes later, they emerged. "Colby, Megan, you two go next" I said softly.
They stood silently and walked in. Terry was crying hard now and even David looked like he had been crying. Another ten minutes passed then Megan and Colby emerged. Megan's eyes were red and Colby had a look about him I'd never seen before, his eyes did not sparkle like they usually did.
"Larry, you and Amita go" Dad said.
The two went in for about 5 minutes, then emerged, Amita was crying and Larry was welting up.
"Come on Dad" I said softly. We walked in together and each sat down near Don, Dr. Carter was pushing on Don's chest rhythmically to keep his chest going while a nurse squeezed a bag. Dr. Kovach was sewing up Don's wounds.
"Donny, what have you done now?" Dad asked softly rubbing Don's hand. "I love you so much and I am so proud of you. You've always been a great son and a great brother to Charlie. You really made your Mother and I very proud over the years. You are such a great FBI agent and I couldn't have been prouder. Don, I love you so much and I will miss you so much. Say hi to Mom for us."
Dad looked at me and I nodded, it was my turn. "Hey Don. Funny, you're always trying to protect me...from danger or pain, or anything...you were the one who needed protecting this time." I sighed, and squeezed his arm. "I am so glad you've let me help you on your cases, it means so much to me, I love helping you. You are the best big brother anyone could ask for. You were always protecting me from bullies and bad stuff, but you still helped me get through high school. I'd like to thank you for that. You are a great FBI agent and anyone was lucky to be able to work with you. I love you so much and I am really going to miss you, but I don't want you to be in pain. I love you, Don." I looked at Dad, indicating I was done.
Dad sighed and looked at Don, "Don, I know you're suffering right now and I want you to know, it's okay to let go. We all love you so much and we don't want you to be in pain, so let go. We are all going to miss you so much. Let go Don, go see Mom, and tell her we still miss her. We love you" Dad bent over, hugged Don carefully and kissed him, then I did. I gave Don a gentle hug, making sure to avoid the open wounds and then kissed his forehead.
"You're the best big brother anyone could ask for," I whispered in his ear.
Dad grasped his hand while I rested my hand on Don's shoulder, "Okay, you can stop now" Dad said hoarsely to Dr. Carter.
Dr. Carter nodded and stopped compressions; the nurse stopped the bag and removed it.
"Is he gone?" I asked, barely above a whisper. Dad began to shake beside me.
"He's gone, would you like me to call the morgue?" Dr. Michaels asked softly.
"Yes please. Thanks" Dad managed, staring at Don.
"I am so sorry" Dr. Michaels clasped my shoulder softly on his way out.
I can't remember how long we stayed by Don, but when we finally were ready to leave, it was dark out. We walked out and found David, Terry, Amita, Larry, Colby, and Megan sitting in the chairs, all were crying. "Dr. Michaels told us it was over" Terry said when we walked in.
Dad nodded, "We told him it was okay to let go if he was in pain"
David nodded, but no one could find the right words.
"Let's all go home," Dad said miserably.