Ernst cried softly, knowing what was going to happen and knowing Albert had lied to him about dying. Albert rubbed his hands on Ernst's face and wiping the tears that fell down the side of his cheeks.
"No Ernst, stay with me!"
Wilhlem turned around and went downstairs. The door opened and shut hard. Albert's blood-covered hands continued to rub down Ernst's face. He grabbed Ernst's hand and shook it gently.
"Come on, come on!" Albert yelled as he closed his eyes and looked up at the ceiling while asking God in his mind to help him.
Albert laid his hand on Ernst's chest. There was still that slight up and down motion of his breathing.
"I....." he said, trying to talk.
"Don't say a word. You will make it through this. I promise Ernst. Stay with me."
"I wish you and Wilhelm some good luck on the war. Stay safe and alive for me. Got it?" Ernst said in a clear voice.
"Don't Ernst."
He looked up at the ceiling and squeezed his eyes shut and opened them one last time, looking straight into Albert's. Albert held Ernst's hand harder.
"Good luck and good......."
Ernst fell silent, his eyes slowly closed and his face relaxed and he took one last deep breath. The warm air from his lungs hit Albert's face. He was motionless, still and quiet.