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“Jean, you need to let go now,” Connie’s hand rested on his friend’s shoulder, trying to give him any comfort he could, but Jean shrugged it off, pulling your limp body closer in his tight embrace, “They’re gone.”
Jean lifted his head up to look his friend in the eyes, his vision blurry from all the tears threatening to spill. His voice quavered, “...I can’t.”
Silence took hold of the air around them. No one could think of any words or actions that would give Jean peace over your passing; they were still trying to cope with it as well. All they could do was stand and watch as Jean cradled your lifeless body, listening to his stifled cries.
Sasha stepped forward in Jean’s direction. Her footsteps were loud as she walked through the broken grass and crushed concrete, yet Jean didn’t seem to hear. It was when she got down on her knees in front of him that he acknowledged her presence with a brief glance. She remained silent, waiting for the emotional tension to settle from seeing your figure from up close.
She could see it right away that you were gone; your eyes were closed, your chapped lips were slightly parted, your once glowing skin was now pallid, and your chest remained still. Her solemn gaze drifted from your pale face to Jean’s, wondering if he knew that you had long left him.
Without uttering a single word, Sasha reached for your hand, taking it in hers. Jean’s tear gaze watched Sasha turn your hand to check your pulse, her eyes watched him look at your hand, making sure that he knew she was confirming what he had yet to audibly hear.
“They aren’t with us anymore. Jean, they’re cold.” Sasha spoke softly, her large brown eyes growing soft at seeing her friend struggle to accept the fate his love had been given.
“I know, but if I can keep holding them... I can keep them warm.” He sniffled, burying his nose into your hair, trying to remember her natural scent before the heavy smell of iron took over. “Five more minutes? Please?That’s all I ask…”
Sasha’s heart shattered at hearing Jean’s unsteady voice. He lost friends in the past and they’ve all taken their tolls on him, but yours was different because you were more than just his friend. You were his love, his soulmate, and now with you gone, it truly felt as if you took his soul with you.
She turned to look at Connie who’s own steel eyes began to fill with tears. His gaze met hers and with a simple nod, Sasha made up her mind. She reached for Jean’s shoulder, her hand resting gently before forming a soft grip. She squeezed his shoulder gently, hoping that he would find comfort in her small gesture.
“Okay. Five more minutes.”