Bloodshed

Pain

The next day, I immediately run to the medical wing. Kev is lying on a thin bed. It's scary to see him, with tubes sticking in his arms and legs, and a mask over his mouth and nose. I hold his hand and bite my lip.
Suddenly, Kya enters the room. "There's a... problem." she says. I widen my eyes. Kya sighs. "He- he can live, but..."
"But what?" I whisper.
"He will... live the rest of his life with brain damage." Kya says, frowning.
My breath catches in my throat. I don't want to force a life of suffering on my best friend. I look at Kev, so peaceful lying there. I look back at Kya. Then, I shake my head. "Do it..." I say. "Let him go."
Kya sadly smiles and a tear rolls down her cheek onto Kev's bedspread. With a trembling hand, she pushes a button on a machine next to Kev's bed. A whirring noise echoes. Tubes retract from Kev's body and he gives a shuddering sigh.
Eyelids fluttering, Kev grasps my hand. "You did it..." he whispers. A look of great content spreads over his face. "Did what, Kev?" I ask. Kev grunts. "You saved me..."
Eyes wide, I look at Kya. Then I look back at Kev. "N-no, you don't understand, Kev... you're not okay, you're... you're dying."
Kev coughs up blood. His face looks disappointed. "I'm... dying..." he whispers. I nod. A single tear rolls down his cheek. "Never... never going to see you again?" he asks. That small question of insecurity melts my heart. I slowly shake my head.
He groans, and the heart rate monitor slows. I clench his hand as tight as I can. I have to keep him from slipping away. But it's not working. I can see in his eyes that death is slipping in. Before I can do anything else, the monitor flatlines.
My body is too numb to do anything except lean forward and kiss him on the forehead. When I do that, his heart beats for a few more seconds and a smile spreads across his face before his heartbeat disappears.