Luke shoved his cell phone into his pocket. He blew out a breath and turned the corner, his heart clenched at the sight before him. His father had his arms wrapped around his mother as she cried, listening to the doctor. He couldn’t hear what the doctor was saying, he didn’t need too, by the looks of it, and it wouldn’t have made a difference. Jake was dying, despite his efforts to save his brother, he had still failed. He clenched his fist and lifted it to punch the nearest wall when his eyes fell upon Cara. He dropped his hand and watched her slide down the length of the wall, her body writhing with sobs. She was shaking her head uncontrollably as if she could shake away the doctor’s words.
When Luke made his way towards his family, he bypassed his parents and kneeled down, gathering Cara in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder.
“I can’t let him go.” She said between sobs. He held her tighter, tears slipping from his eyes. He glanced up at his parents, who looked as if they had died a thousand deaths.
“All we can do now, is make him as comfortable as possible.” The doctor took Deb’s hand in his and looked up at both parents. “And we can pray for a miracle.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Joe said with his voice barely above a whisper.
Luke felt Cara shift in his arms, and averted his eyes to the woman falling apart in his arms. She pulled back and started to wipe at her face.
“I can’t let him see me like this.” She dragged her fingers through her wavy hair, tucking some strands behind her ears. She looked up at Luke and her eyes instantly filled again with tears. “I can’t go in there yet.” Her lower lip quivered as the tears started to fall down her cheeks. She bit down on her lower lip, trying to control her outburst.
Luke had no idea what to do. He didn’t know how to comfort her. He looked back at his parents who were clinging to one another. His eyes then met the closed door of the room where his brother was. He stared at the wooden door and felt his heart plummet in his chest.
“Luke?” Cara said softly, causing Luke to tear his gaze from the closed door. His eyes met hers. “Go sit with him. He shouldn’t be alone. I’m going to go wash my face and then I’ll be right in.” She looked down at her hands and twisted the engagement ring around her finger absent-mindedly. She lifted her eyes back to his. “Please?”
He nodded, not able to find his own voice. Slowly he rose to his full height and held out his hand to her. She took his hand and allowed him to help her to her feet. He gave her hand a slight squeeze before he dropped it. He stood in front of the door, and took a deep breath.
How do you prepare yourself to say goodbye to your only brother? How do you look at him, knowing you failed him? How do you watch the rise and fall of his chest, and wonder if that will be his last breath? The questions raced through Luke’s mind as he opened the door and stepped inside the room.
Jake lay helplessly in the bed that centered the dark and dreary room. The mauve walls, he once complained of were darkened from the drawn shades, and Luke couldn’t help but wonder if the darkness of the room was a coincidence or rather a request of Jake’s. He was hooked up to several machines. They were basically pointless at this point, but the noise of the machines working was the only sound in the room. Nothing was going to save him.
He moved to the edge of his bed, and Jake must’ve sensed his presence. He opened his eyes and looked up at Luke. It hit Luke hard and fast, as the blue eyes of his little brother, searched his for the answers, much like they had their whole lives. Luke didn’t have the answers this time and it killed him. He allowed himself to cry for the first time in his adult life, Luke succumbed to defeat.
Jake wiggled his fingers, reaching for Luke’s hand. Luke quickly placed his brother’s hand in his and sat on the edge of his bed. He squeezed Jake’s hand lifting his eyes to meet his. “I’m so sorry.” Luke murmured. “I’m so sorry I failed you.” He wiped at his face angrily with his free hand, brushing away his tears.
Jake lifted his other hand to the oxygen mask that covered his mouth, he tugged it down, so that he could speak. “Don’t you ever say you’re sorry” Jake struggled to get out. “You gave me the greatest gift.”
Luke shook his head, and then Jake tightened his grip on his hand. “It’s not your fault Luke, I need you to believe me. God’s got a bigger plan for me.” He attempted to smile, and closed his eyes mustering up some strength.
Luke thought about his words. Maybe it was the truth. Maybe God did have a bigger plan for Jake. It was the only logical explanation as to why Jake’s life was being cut short. It was the only acceptable one. “You’re meant to do great things.”