Good bye

“I’m sorry,” I whisper as I kneel beside his body.

My hands are sticky wet as I tear the radiation suit. Searching for his wound.

But his back arches. Mouth screams.

He’s been melted. Flesh joined to shimmery fabric.

He’s been butchered. Face swollen, mutated, blistered.

I can hardly bear to look.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s better this way. It’s over.”

But I’m choking as I watch him.

Eyes flutter closed.

Chest ceases moving.

Please, it can’t end like this.

I’ve got you brother

I’ve found you now

and I’ll hold you forever till they come to take me too.