Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 35: He's Innocent Pt. 1

Detroit, Michigan:

"Bruh, stay with me," Ambrose said, his voice rough and pleading as he applied pressure to Ben's wound with his one working hand. The blood soaked through his fingers, but he couldn't let go. Ben's face was twisted in pain, but he managed to look at Ambrose with a mix of gratitude and anguish.

"Tell the kids and Izzy I love 'em. And you better take care of 'em, alright?" Ben's voice was barely audible, but his request was clear. Ambrose's heart ached as he blinked back tears, feeling the weight of Ben's last wish bearing down on him.

"I got 'em. I promise..." Ambrose's voice cracked, his throat tight with emotion. He fought to keep calm, though his world was unraveling around him.

When Ambrose woke up, the hospital room was filled with a soft, sterile light. He felt a dull ache all over his body and slowly opened his eyes. Isabella's head was resting on his chest, her breathing steady but her face streaked with tears. The rest of the room was quiet except for the occasional shuffle of footsteps and murmurs of conversation.

Monica was pacing back and forth, her face a mask of worry and frustration. Austin was asleep in one of the chairs, his head resting on Tory's shoulder. Tory's face was streaked with tears, her eyes red and swollen. Justin sat nearby, his demeanor one of stunned disbelief, as if he couldn't quite grasp the reality of what had happened.

"What's going on?" Ambrose croaked, his voice rough and strained. He hoped beyond hope that this was just a nightmare he'd wake up from.

"Brose, you good, man?" Justin's voice was shaky as he moved closer, his eyes filled with concern. Isabella stirred, lifting her head from Ambrose's chest and meeting his gaze, her own eyes swollen and tired.

"Where's Ben?" Ambrose's voice was urgent, filled with dread. He scanned the room, searching for any sign of him.

Isabella stood up, her movements slow and mechanical. She needed to step outside, to get some space to deal with the overwhelming guilt she felt. Monica cleared her throat, her voice trembling but steady as she spoke.

"He didn't make it," Monica said, her eyes reflecting the deep sadness that Ambrose felt. "Ben... he didn't survive."

The words hit Ambrose like a ton of bricks. His eyes widened in shock, and he felt a cold, empty sensation settle in his chest. He struggled to breathe as the reality of the loss sank in. Justin placed a comforting hand on Ambrose's shoulder. "We're gonna get through this, man. We'll figure this out together."

Tory walked over and took Ambrose's good hand, her grip firm but trembling. "The police is gonna come talk to you, you good?" She asked him.

Ambrose nodded, feeling the weight of Ben's absence like an anchor around his neck. He and Ben had their differences, but they also had an unspoken understanding he didn't hate the guy, and he didn't want him to die. It hurt to have to tell the kids he was gone, they had been through a lot already. He'd wished he'd done more to save Ben, the guilt began to weigh down on him heavily, and though Ben and Izzy weren't together anymore he could on imagine the kind of pain she's feeling right now.