A/N: Sorry. I have to do this to you. Chapter 12

"Leave. Please."

Alan and Katie had been standing at the window, talking quietly. Don sat near the bed. Charlie's eyes had been closed for almost 20 minutes. He had thought he was asleep.

"Son…"

Charlie restlessly moved his legs, winced at the reminder that he shouldn't do that.

"I'm sorry." He ran his hand through his hair. When Don did that, it was a sign of frustration — but he knew that when Charlie did that, it signaled nervousness. "Wait. I'm not sorry."

"Charlie?"

Charlie didn't appear to hear his brother. "I mean, I'm sorry that this will hurt your feelings. I'm not sorry to ask for it anyway. I need you to leave. I need to be alone."

Don tracked Charlie's eyes. He kept looking at the door…Shit. He was looking at the clock over the door. It was 15 minutes before the wedding had been scheduled to start. Don stood and hesitantly approached. "Are you sure…"

"Leave me alone!" Charlie's voice was nearing hysteria. "Please, give me this. Give me this night alone."

"But Charlie…"

"Dad," Don interrupted his father. "Charlie's tired. Let's go now. Katie?"

With his father still protesting, Don herded them toward the door. Before it swung shut behind them, Don heard Charlie's voice again.

"Don't come back."