An hour later, Dixie and Iain found him. He had smashed his car into a tree. The impact was massive, there was no chance of him surviving. Their job was difficult when they saw who it was. It broke their hearts that he had to do what he did. But, no matter how painful it was knowing they had lost two of their colleagues, their friends on the same day both understood why. What was even more difficult was the fact they had to inform the others. Making a phone call would make the task a bit easier, but none of it was easy. Having decided to inform the team in person Dixie and Iain made their way back to the ED.
"He's gone." Dixie announced shaking her head as she and Iain walked through the doors.
The whole ED fell silent and bowed their heads. They didn't need them to tell them who it was. They all knew the moment they came in. Iain walked over to Charlie handing him a letter.
"We found this next to him when we removed him out of the car. It's addressed to all of us. I think he wanted us to open it."
Charlie nodded and turned around so the team could gather round.
Dear all our friends in the ED,
I guess you know what this letter is when you receive it. I guess I don't need to tell what I'm about to do. Now that I have nothing left I might as well end my life.
Now for the hard part. I have never been the one to show my emotions but, here's a few words I would like to say to you all.
I thank you for all the support you've given me ever since Ethan was diagnosed with Huntington's. I don't know what I would have done without you and I am grateful as I'm sure Ethan was that we have such great friends. Working with and spending time with you made me realise how thankful I was to be part of an amazing team. You became my other family.
While I know I would always have your support losing Ethan is still too painful to deal with. Ever since our mother died Ethan has always been there for me. Has always been my safety net. Without him, I'm lost. Sometimes I think Ethan should be the older brother, he's certainly more wiser and mature than I am.
Anyway that's all I have to say.
Cal
Charlie folded the letter back up. Rita bent down and picked up another piece that had fallen out.
"It's addressed to Ethan." She said.
"Open it." Charlie suggested.
Dear Nibbles,
I know you don't like me calling you that, but I will whether you like it or not. Anyway, I'm writing this to let you know I'm sorry. I'm sorry about everything I've done to you. I'm sorry about teasing you. And I'm sorry I've never told you how much you mean to me. Now it's too late. I'll never get to say 'I love you' to your face. But, it doesn't matter, I'll say it now.
I love you, Ethan. And although I never told you when you were alive or when we were kids I've always loved you. I'm also grateful to have you as a brother. And I'm proud to be your brother. I wouldn't wish for anyone else to be my brother except you.
Forgive me, little brother.
Cal
No one dared to speak as Rita finished reading the letter. No one could speak. The team had not only lost two of their colleagues but, their friends as well. Life wasn't fair. That night in the pub everyone raised their glasses for the two brothers.
"To Cal and Ethan."