6 months later…..
The news about Ethan's condition had travelled around the ED. Their friends and colleagues came offering their support and sympathies, but to Cal none of their words didn't mean anything. Yes, it was kind of them to offer their words of support however, he knew it wouldn't change the fact that Ethan was dying. Ever since the diagnosis Cal could see Ethan decline as the weeks went by. Now Ethan relied on crutches some days to help him move around and occasionally Ethan slurred his words. Cal felt helpless as he saw what was happening to his brother. He tried to help him where he could but, knowing Ethan had to rely on him to do some things, things that he could do before frustrated Ethan and he lost his temper when he couldn't manage to do a simple task. It broke Cal's heart seeing his brother beat himself up. He knew he had to be strong for Ethan. He had promised to support him and he would keep his promise.
It was around 5 o'clock Cal had stayed home. Ethan was getting worse and so he needed to be there just in case something happened. Cal was relaxing on the sofa thinking when he heard a THUMP. He shot out of his seat and ran to where the noise came from. He knocked on Ethan's door.
"Ethan?"
No answer. He tried again.
"Eth?"
Nothing.
"ETHAN!" He said louder. "Nibbles? Answer me."
Still silence.
Panic beginning to grow Cal turned the door handle to open it. The door wouldn't budge. He rattled the hand just to see if it would make a difference. It didn't. The door was locked. Ethan had locked it. Ethan never locked the door. To Cal this wasn't a good sign, the knot in his stomach began to tighten. He banged his shoulder against the frame hoping it would budge. It didn't. Worrying thoughts rushed through Cal's mind.
Why had Ethan locked his door?
What had Ethan done?
He hoped that Ethan was sleeping and he locked the door because he didn't want to be disturbed. Taking a 10p coin out from his pocket Cal placed it into the keyhole. Jiggling the coin up and down for a few seconds he heard a click. Turning the handle Cal was met with a terrifying sight in front of him.