Søvn, lillebror

Gone

Norway couldn't breathe. He forgotten how. Everything. Everything seemed to be spinning. It was just his mind. He...he was seeing things again. Iceland wasn't…Emil couldn't….A sorrow filled wail left the usually quiet Norwegian. He found himself on the ground. How did he get on the ground? He tried to stand. He couldn't. He couldn't stand. He barely registered the sound of feet running. Then Denmark was there. He was stronger than Norway. He raced to where Emil hung, taking the noose from around his neck and cradling the lifeless boy in his arms. He kept shaking him. Trying to rouse him. But Emil laid limp in Mathias’ arms. He was screaming now. Yelling at the boy. He was much paler than normal. But there had to be a chance. He couldn't be dead. He had to live. Shaking, Denmark laid him on Norway’s bed. He let his hands rest on his chest. One. Two. Three. Breathe. One. Two. Three. Breathe. One. Two. Three. He was gone. Emil...he was….Denmark let out a roar. His fist went straight through the wall. The pain didn't register at all. Finland and Sweden stood just outside the door. They were home. They could have done something. Anything. Finally, Norway seemed to be able to walk once more. He staggered to his feet, shoving past Finland and Sweden. He made his way to Emil's side.
“Island. Island, Våkn opp. kom tilbake,” Lukas' kept shaking his brother. His lavender eyes seemed to stare back. Yet they lacked the luster they once held. “Island!” There had to be an explanation. A reason for why he'd just leave them. Desperately, Norway began to search the room. Carelessly, he shoved books from their shelves, letting papers flying across the room. A small note laid tucked between the pages of Norway’s spellbook.

To my brothers,

I'm sorry I had to leave you. But I was no longer needed. The world did not care for the tiny island that I had called my home. I could no longer live knowing that worry was being wasted. That I would only cause pain and strife the longer I continued. I hope you understand that I had to do this, and that it wasn't your fault. I was simply too weak to withstand the changing of time. But, my brothers, I know you are much stronger. Please carry on. The thought that I am hurting you, for the selfish reasoning of saving myself...please, keep living. Lukas, Stór Bróðir minn, I am sorry. I was not as good a brother as I should have been. And I hope you know that you were my world. ég elska þig. Denmark...Mathias, please...take care of my big brother. Keep smiling. And laughing. Keep fighting. Do not let the loss of one soul hold you back. Sweden. Berwald. I am sorry I couldn't be as strong as you. I'm sorry I couldn't keep going. I'm sorry that we weren't as close as we should have been. Finland. Tino. I'm sorry for any heart ache or worry I've caused you. You are stronger than any of us. You have been through more than any of us could ever imagine. Keep fighting, big brother. I truly love all of you. I'm sorry.

We will meet again in the golden halls, my brothers,

Emil Steilsson, the nation of Iceland.