13842: the last words

"I'm going, aren't I?", he asked me with a look of terror on his face. I didn't know what to say. He then screamed and writhed in pain before falling into a stupor again.

I hoped the alcohol had dulled his awareness of what's happening, if only just a bit.

Yes.. yes you are. And I'm sorry we couldn't save you. We did our best, we really did. I hope you know we tried. But as the ICU sister said, when it's time, it's time.

Seeing your mum give you your last kisses broke my heart. It's all I could do to stop the tears forming.

Rest in peace, fellow stranger, and may peace make its way into the hearts of your friends and family.