If Ethan had to be honest, he didn't know what he was saying. Of course he wanted Cal to pull through this but, there was a voice inside of him telling him to make this situation easier for both of them. And that was by switching off the machine that was keeping his brother alive. Charlie could Ethan's mind trying to work out what to do. He could see him trying to weigh out all the options and knew what Ethan was thinking.
"Ethan, we're not at that stage yet. We can't just give up on him." Charlie spoke as he broke Ethan away from his thoughts.
"You think I don't know that? But, right now that's the best option I have."
"Best option for who?"
Charlie knew where Ethan was going with this. He was being his usual selfless self. Always thinking about others and what other thought before focusing on what he wanted.
"I know you don't mean it." Charlie carried on. "You're not thinking straight."
"Oh I am thinking perfectly." Ethan told him. "What sort of life will he have if he does pull through? I'm only thinking what's best for my brother."
"No, what you're doing is what you think is the best." Charlie stated. "You think that if Cal wasn't here then you wouldn't have to feel guilty of being a burden to him."
"And what's wrong with feeling guilty. Because I do. I do feel guilty knowing what Cal's going to have to put up with when I no longer can take care of myself. That is if he does pull through this." Ethan said.
"What if Cal wants to?"
"It doesn't matter if he wants to know. My point is he shouldn't have to. He shouldn't have to stop living his life because of me."
"He doesn't have to and neither should you."
"How can I, Charlie? I know what's going to happen to me. I know there's not a lot you can do once the symptoms have started. What sort of life is that? Being stuck in a wheelchair depending on people to take care of you. To do everything for you."
"You can still do all the things you want to do. You've go Cal. You've got us. Whatever it is you want to do, we'll do it. You can't give up the fight and let this disease win. Cal's your brother and we're your friends. We'll do whatever we can to help you get through this. Both of you."
In a way Ethan knew Charlie was right. Charlie was always right. But, right now he just didn't know what to do. He only wanted what was best. And in the back of his mind something was telling him that letting Cal go was the only way to do it. Charlie placed a hand on his shoulder before leaving Ethan alone.
"He loves you, you know that. You're his little brother and he'd do anything for you." Charlie told him before walking away.
Ethan watched as Charlie faded into the distance. For a little while longer he sat, trying to work out what to do. Finally, he made up his mind. He knew what he was going to do. It didn't matter what Charlie thought or what anyone else thought, this was the only way to do it.