As with Rae and David, moments involving Evan began to pop their way into Elliot’s head. They’d both had an eventful past seven months. Elliot wondered if this was what people meant about a person’s life flashing before his eyes when faced with his inevitable death. If that was the case, those memories were more taunting than fond, because he’d never get to relive those memories again.
“I wasn’t confused so much as frustrated that all of a sudden I was the bad guy who got into fights and insulted another guy’s sisters.” He shrugged, again not laughing, but doing his best to show some semblance of amusement.
Elliot gave a return squeeze (or as strong as he could manage) to Evan’s hand and said, “I’d try to deny it, but I can’t help seeing that it’s true. Can’t believe I used to think a crowbar was the best weapon.” He smiled sadly when his advisory skills were complimented. “Just did what I could to help out the Don.”
He paused and nodded his agreement when Evan corrected him. It sincerely did feel like they were brothers, with the way they’d bonded. “Oh, so it’s awkward manhug time now?” He tried to turn it into a joke, tried to keep the mood light, but Evan’s words about Elliot being his best friend were humbling. “I’ve had good friendships in the past, but this… I think the reason ours is… was… so strong is because you helped me overcome all that shit I was dealing with earlier this year. And all the things you did for me in between. Never had a friend willing to go to as many great lengths as you did. So, helping you be with Leah is small payment for all you did for me.”
“People didn’t think much of me either, dude. I was just… just the medic guy who always needed somebody immune to go out and fetch things from the city. You helped me the most right after I was stabbed. Helped me get my confidence back. And yeah, I trusted you after that. Trusted you ever since. That’s why I named you my son’s godfather.”
In the face of his death, all Elliot wanted was to know that he’d left his mark on the world in some significant way. To know that he wouldn’t be remembered as just another nameless, faceless victim of the virus. “That’s… that’s a huge compliment right there. Thank you. It’s a comfort, too. It’s helping me make peace with my death, knowing that I made at least some kind of impact in the things that I’ve done.”
Elliot glanced down at his bandaged hand again, before looking back up at Evan. “I probably don’t have to ask, but humor me anyway. Will you look after my family for me? Especially Rae. If there’s one single thing that I regret most about all of this is… that I’m leaving her behind to take care of our son alone. All those plans we had…” He choked on a sob and turned his head away to cough.