فصل بیست و یکم

Chapter 21: The Loss

As we got to Jack’s side, he was pressing down on Wade’s abdomen. Blood was rising up between his fingers. Wade was shaking and his skin was pale and waxlike.

“You’re going to be okay, buddy,” Jack said, his voice trembling. He looked up at us. “Someone help me stop the bleeding.” “It hurts . . . ,” Wade said. His voice was slurred.

“You’re a warrior,” Jack said. “Remember you’re a warrior.” “It hurts. . . .”

Abigail fell to her knees next to Wade and touched his leg. Even though he was still shaking, his face relaxed. “Thank you,” he said softly.

“I can cauterize it,” McKenna said. “Ian, tell me where the injury is.” Ian didn’t answer.

Pulling Ian back, I whispered, “How bad is it?” Ian shook his head, then said just loud enough for me to hear, “His body is filling with blood.” Wade’s entire body shook. “I don’t think . . .” “Stay with me, buddy,” Jack said frantically. “You’re a warrior.” “I don’t think . . .” His chin quivered.

“Are you a warrior or wimp?!” Jack said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Warrior or wimp?!” Wade looked up at him. “You’re . . . the only friend I’ve ever had. Thank you for being . . .” Jack’s eyes filled with new tears. “Don’t leave me, buddy. Please. Wade . . .” Wade trembled. “I . . .” He swallowed, then mumbled, “I . . . I’m . . . sorry.” Then he went silent. His head fell back.

“No!” Jack shouted. He began pressing on Wade’s chest, but it did nothing but force more blood out of his wound.

“Start his heart!” Jack said to me. “Michael, shock him. Please.” I didn’t move. I knew it wouldn’t help.

“Please.”

“All right,” I said. I knelt down. “You need to let go of him.” “No,” he said.

I shocked him. Jack shouted out with pain, and Wade’s whole body jerked but nothing happened.

“Nothing,” Ian said.

“Again, Michael!” Jack said.

I looked at him. “Jack . . .” “Please.”

“All right.” I jolted him again.

Again Jack shouted.

I looked at Ian and he shook his head.

“Again!” Jack pled. “Please, try again.” “Jack,” I said. “He’s gone.” “No. He can’t be.”

I put my hand on Jack’s back. “I’m sorry. But he’s gone.” Jack wrapped his arms around Wade’s head. “No,” he sobbed. “No, no, no.” We all looked at him, fighting our own emotions.

“It’s my fault,” Jack said.

“No, it’s not,” I said. “It’s not your fault.” “I made him come here,” Jack said. “I made him. I’ve killed my best friend.”