Call of Duty Ghosts: The Aftermath

Chapter 17

LOGAN

My eyes widen, and I feel my heart start to pound.

"What do you mean, he's not breathing?!" I shout as I move closer. I put my hand on Hesh's shoulder, tears welling in my eyes.

"David, get up... Please, GET UP!!!" I sob as I shake him, eyes frantic.

Keegan looks up at me with saddened eyes.

"Logan, I'm sorry...." He says gently.

"No...." I shake Hesh again, his head falling to the side. The tears topple over the cliff of my eyes, running down my face as I stare at his handsome face, eyes closed lifelessly. Merrick glances at Gavin, who looks up at the other four.

Spike stares at me.

"Shit..." He mutters under his breath.

I close my eyes, my chest rising and falling rapidly. Suddenly feeling lightheaded, I fall forward, bracing myself up with my hands. My eyes are wide, and I stare at the floor. Starting to lose breath, I choke a little, and Spike runs over to me.

"Logan, it's okay!!" He holds my shoulders, turning me away from Hesh. Hee looks up at the rest.

"He's hyperventilating in shock." He says as I try to find air in my lungs.

I shake my head.

"No... NoNoNO!" I yell painfully, as Spike holds me steady.

"Logan, just take deep breaths..." He comforts me, and I squeeze my eyes shut.

He can't be... My big brother... David... Taking a shaky breath, I lean against Spike's shoulder as he holds me. Merrick crouches next to Keegan, looking down at Hesh.

"What have we done..." He mutters, rubbing his face with his hand, and Keegan holds Hesh tighter.

"I should have...I just wish...I...." Keegan sighs, then I hear a very faint groan and Keegan gasps. Another small sound causes me to lift my head from Spike's shoulder.

"What...."

I spin my head around, and my eyes widen to see a small breath come from Hesh, shaky, but still present. The dread filling me a moment ago is now joined with the smallest glimpse of hope, and I crawl over.

"Hesh?" I ask quietly, staring down at my brother. Keegan lifts Hesh up a little, propping him against his shoulder, and raises his gaze to meet my concerned eyes as we both wait in anguish for even the smallest second breath. Merrick puts his hand on my back, also anxiously looking at Hesh.

Reaching out my hand a little, I take Hesh's hand in my own.

"David...." My voice comes out desolately, barely a whisper. Then his fingers tighten weakly around my hand, and my eyes widen. Raising my gaze to his eyes, I see them slowly open, and he takes a slow, painful breath.

"Lo..gan..." He barely croaks out, and the Ghosts' eyes widen.

Cody crosses his arms.

"Well, I'll be damned. He's not dead." Merrick looks at him harshly over his shoulder, and Cody steps back a bit with wide eyes, hands up in surrender.

Keegan looks up to meet my wide, hopeful eyes.

I nod.

"I'm here, David. Keegan and I are right here." I say comfortingly, and Hesh sighs with a small smile, squeezing my hand tighter.

"Logan..." He whispers with compassionate relief, then his eyes slowly close again. I feel the fear rise up in my chest again.

"David?" I say quickly, shaking his shoulder a little.