I forced my eyes open again.
The paramedic was still working, his brow furrowed in deep concentration as his fingers pressed against the flesh just next to Shawn's Adam's apple.
Next to me, Juliet was shaking. She was shaking her head in silent protest, but couldn't actually voice anything.
Henry had gone completely white, staring intently at the unmoving body.
"He has a pulse," he murmured, a hard, stubborn edge settling over his voice. "There's no rigor…he has a pulse. He has to. He's alive."
"I know," I croaked hoarsely, wanting desperately for it to be true. "I know."
My brain couldn't even comprehend the alternative that Shawn was dead.
That it all ended like this.
That my best friend, who had survived jumping from roofs, parasailing, bungee jumping and on at least six occasions eating questionable three-week-old chicken salad, could be killed by a drunk kid who just didn't see him.
It just wasn't possible.
"Goddamn it, Shawn!" Henry exploded a moment later, making me jump. "For once in your damn life, just listen to me!"
He took an angry step towards his son, and for a moment I thought he was going to grab Shawn by the collar and yank him to his feet, but he just stopped dead after that single step. I saw him deflate right there, every ounce of energy and strength he had fleeing his body as he stared helplessly down at the body in the dirt.
In that moment, I knew he was dying just as quickly as Shawn.
"Damn it, Shawn," he said again, his voice barely audible over the gently wafting breeze that stirred the leaves. "Just listen to me."
The second paramedic looked up at that moment, nodding at him. "I found it…it's there. It's faint…but he has a pulse."
Henry exhaled, seemingly for the first time all day.
Next to me, Juliet exhaled, too. Even her breathing was trembling, and when I glanced over at her I noticed her hands were, as well.
I was afraid to even think about my own shaky hands.
The paramedics didn't notice any of this, however, as they were too busy securing Shawn's neck in a brace and getting him into the ambulance.
Henry turned back to me. "He's alive."
"I know."
I know it's stupid to even think it…and yet, I can't help thinking it.
I know Henry was thinking it at that moment, too.
For the first time in his life, Shawn was listening to someone.