Warning – DMC.   

“I’m sorry.  He’s gone.” 

He’d been lying so still for over a week that it was almost hard to tell the difference.  Except that I’d seen the last breath leave his lips.  That moment, between one breath and the next just hung there.  I want to believe that Sam is wrong, but my eyes tell me what my heart won’t accept.

“At least it was peaceful.”

Hell, Doc, is that supposed to make us feel better?  My brother’s dead and right now it don’t matter to me how it happened.  If my throat weren’t so tight I’d say something.  Then again it’s probably best that I can’t.  It ain’t Sam’s fault after all.  He did all he could. 

Teresa’s crying.  Someone should comfort her.  She’s seen too much death. Why can’t I move?  Scott deserves better than this.  And, it wasn’t supposed to be this way.  ‘You’ll be dead before you’re thirty’.  Do you remember saying that to me, Brother?  Never thought it would be you who didn’t make it to your thirtieth birthday.

Dios!  Murdoch looks old and tired.  It ain’t right that a parent should have to watch their child die.  I need to get out of here, get some air and clear my head.  There’s a lot to do and Murdoch don’t look like he’s got the strength to do it.

“Are you alright, Son?”

No, I’m not alright!  “Yeah, Murdoch.  I’ll be fine.  You stay with him and I’ll tell Cipriano and the men.”  I hope that sounded convincing.  The old man don’t need to see me fall apart.

Damn, it’s getting hard to see.  My eyesight’s gone all blurry.  Why can’t I stop shaking?  Why did he have to die?  Too many damn questions. I’m gonna miss you, Scott.  I’m gonna miss my brother.

Caroline

Jan 08